(Family Features) Bright sunshine, warm patios and fresh foods go hand in hand. As warm weather and sunny days call you outdoors, bring the whole family along with favorite meals that blend perfectly with a soft breeze and the subtle sounds of nature.

Al fresco dining doesn’t have to be difficult. Just gather a few supplies, whip up a favorite recipe or two and ask for a hand in heading outside. Take these tips into account to help ensure your backyard dining goes off without a hitch.

Create a Cozy Spot
Dinner in the backyard means convenience and the comfort of your own patio furniture, but you can always enhance the experience with an umbrella to add a touch of shade or a small fan on those still, steamy evenings. If a busy day means a later dinner, hanging strings of soft lighting can help illuminate the table.

Make It Fresh
Salad season means fresh ingredients from lettuce and veggies to favorite toppings and beyond. Add a crisp bite to your next al fresco occasion with this Southwest Ranch Taco Salad featuring Newman’s Own’s Southwest Ranch Dressing. The dressing is creamy and smoky with a kick of spice and features no artificial flavors, no colors from artificial sources and no MSG, making it a perfect companion for salads and dips. In fact, you can enjoy this seasonal salad even more knowing that 100% of profits from the sale of the dressing goes toward helping nourish and transform the lives of children facing adversity.

Don’t Forget the Essentials
No outdoor meal is complete without a few must-have utensils. Avoid trips back and forth from the house by writing a list of everything you need so you don’t head to the deck without forks to share a salad or napkins to help clean up the mess. Bring the basics like plates, cups, utensils, napkins and a cloth to rest food on. Don’t leave behind serving spoons, trash bags and other convenience items that make al fresco dining a breeze.

Serve a Perfect Salad Partner
While a hearty salad alone is enough for a filling al fresco meal, you can take your backyard dining to the next level with the perfect partner for satisfying salads: crudites. Arranged neatly on a platter or board, a seasonal variety of sliced or whole raw vegetables such as snap peas, celery, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, broccoli and more can make for a perfect accompaniment to nearly any outdoor meal. Serve with a dip or two, such as Newman’s Own’s Southwest Ranch Dressing, to complete your al fresco appetizer.

To find more al fresco food options that give back, visit NewmansOwn.com.

Southwest Ranch Taco Salad

Total time: 25 minutes

• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 small avocados
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 ground chuck)
• 2 teaspoons Newman's Own Mild Taco Seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) black beans
• 1 1/2 cups canned corn
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus additional for serving (optional), divided
• 1 cup Newman's Own Southwest Ranch Dressing
• 6 ounces tortilla chips

1. Coarsely chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes and pit, peel and slice avocados. Set aside.
2. In large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Brown ground beef, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes. Add taco seasoning and water; cook according to package directions, 5-8 minutes, or until meat is thoroughly cooked.
3. Drain and rinse black beans. Set aside.
4. Divide lettuce among serving bowls or plates. Top with ground beef, tomatoes, avocados, black beans, corn, cheese and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Tuck in tortilla chips.
5. Drizzle with southwest ranch dressing and sprinkle with additional cilantro, if desired.

Source: Newman’s Own

(Family Features) Whether Cinco de Mayo means an opportunity to celebrate your family’s heritage or it’s simply an excuse to gather with the ones you love, every holiday truly is about the same thing: special moments together. While those treasured times at the table revolve around camaraderie and conversation, it can start with a filling meal and end with a sweet treat.

Take this year’s festivities the traditional route with recipes that combine familiar favorites with ingredients you normally may not use otherwise, such as cactus. This Mexican Cactus Pork Stew makes Cinco de Mayo a cinch with the use of a Dutch oven. Just brown fresh pork shoulder (or reheat leftover pork) in the Dutch oven and combine with onion and jalapeno for the right mixture of flavor and spice. Once pork is cooked or warmed through, add broth, beans, spices, seasonings and a cup of chopped cactus for a southwestern spin.

After some lively chatter or friendly competition, you’re bound to work up the appetite for dessert. Call the kids to the kitchen to lend a hand with these Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies – they’ll love working with the dough and rolling warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect; you can ensure a bit of fun and flavor by letting their creativity shine.

Visit Culinary.net to find more family-friendly recipes perfect for celebrating holidays throughout the year.

Mexican Cactus Pork Stew

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 1 pound pork shoulder (leftover or fresh)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) mild chili beans
• 1 cup chopped cactus (nopales)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. If using fresh pork, in Dutch oven, cube and brown it with onion and jalapeno pepper. If using leftover pork, reheat in Dutch oven with onion and jalapeno pepper.
2. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili beans, cactus, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Simmer 25 minutes then garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"

• 4 sticks butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for coating workspace
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In bowl, combine butter, 4 cups flour and cinnamon. Add egg and sugar then knead into ball.
3. Spread additional flour on counter and cut ball into six sections. Roll each section into 24-inch ropes then cut into 1-inch pieces and place on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 minutes.
5. To make topping: In bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll warm cookies in mixture and let cool on rack.

(Family Features) For Mexican food lovers everywhere, Cinco de Mayo provides the perfect excuse to host a fiesta. This year, try spicing up your party menu with Mexican-inspired bold flavors and fresh ingredients using these tips and recipe. With a little planning and some key fresh ingredients, you can host a fiesta everyone will enjoy.

Cinco de Mayo Menu Planning
Here are a few authentic dips and dishes to liven any party spread:

• Green, Green Guacamole - This flavorful dip embodies the festive flavors of the holiday. To make fresh guacamole, add green onions, cilantro and Tabasco green jalapeño pepper sauce to ripe, mashed avocados.
• Mexican Caviar - Not your average salsa dip, this hearty and zesty recipe combines black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro for a muy bueno party starter that is sure to please.
• Spicy Taquitos - Packed with genuine flavor, these savory appetizers can be served all year long. A satisfying blend of chicken, red beans and shredded cheese is rolled into buttery phyllo dough and baked until golden and crispy.

To add more authentic flavor to your table, be sure to serve Fiery Fiesta Empanadas. With a soft cornmeal crust, ground beef, cheese and olive filling, this dish boasts bold notes of cumin, garlic, and mild Tabasco green jalapeño pepper sauce - making these empanadas a sure-fire way to spice up your menu.

For more sizzling, south-of-the-border recipes, visit www.tabasco.com.

Fiery Fiesta Empanadas

Makes 4 empanadas

Cornmeal Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 tablespoons water

Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1/4 cup taco sauce
• 1/4 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
• 4 teaspoons Tabasco green jalapeño pepper sauce, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten

1. Combine flour, cornmeal and salt in medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough sticks together.
2. On lightly floured surface with lightly floured rolling pin, roll out half of dough until 1/4-inch thick. Cut dough into two 7-inch rounds. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps. Cover; set aside.
3. Cook ground beef and garlic in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally to break up beef.
4. Stir in scallions, taco sauce, olives, 3 teaspoons green jalapeño pepper sauce, oregano, cumin and salt until well blended. Stir in cheese.
5. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease large cookie sheet. Spoon about 1/2-cup filling on 1/2 of each round, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Stir together egg and remaining teaspoon green jalapeño pepper sauce.
7. Brush border with egg mixture.
8. Fold dough over filling, pressing out air. Crimp edges with fork or fingers to seal.
9. Place on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes or until golden.

Source: Tabasco

(Family Features) Cinco de Mayo is, officially, a holiday celebrating Mexico's victory over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. In the U.S., where it is actually celebrated with more gusto than in its native country, the holiday has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture.

The holiday also provides a great excuse to make irresistible Mexican-inspired recipes for entertaining and, of course, a big batch of margaritas to wash it all down. Fresh sweet corn is an essential component of many Mexican dishes and a cultural staple.

Luckily, Cinco de Mayo falls right in the middle of Florida's Sunshine Sweet Corn season, meaning that the sweetest corn, available all year, arrives just in time to be a part of your Cinco de Mayo celebration. These naturally-bred varieties are grown by a group of family farmers who are committed to producing the finest sweet corn.

Get the fiesta started with this Fire Roasted Corn and Chorizo Dip and a big bowl of tortilla chips. Crunchy, spicy, sweet and creamy, this addictive dip will have your guests asking for more.

Next, be sure to serve Mexican Style Corn, a truly authentic and delicious Mexican street food. Crunchy ears of fresh sweet corn are charred to perfection then slathered with a mixture of cheese and mayo, sprinkled with chili powder and squirted with lime for simple flavor perfection.

Finally, no Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without tacos. For a healthful twist on your typical taco, try this recipe for Charred Corn Tacos with Radish Zucchini Slaw that will have both vegetarians and meat eaters clamoring for seconds.

Incorporating more healthful whole foods and veggies into your Cinco de Mayo celebration this year makes it easier to justify one more margarita. No matter what you serve at your Cinco de Mayo celebration, make sure to incorporate the sweet and wholesome flavor of fresh spring sweet corn.

Discover more mouth-watering recipes for Cinco de Mayo and every time of year at www.sunshinesweetcorn.com.

Six Global Spreads for Sweet Corn

1. North America: Maple Bourbon Butter - Combine one stick butter, 4 teaspoons bourbon, 2 teaspoons maple syrup and pinch of salt.
2. South America: Lime-Avocado Crema - In a blender, combine one avocado, 1/4 cup lime juice, one garlic clove, 1/2 bunch cilantro, 1/2 cup sour cream and pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Add water if necessary.
3. Europe: Combine 2 ounces goat cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, and pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Asia: Sriracha Butter - Combine 1/3 cup butter with 3 tablespoons Sriracha.
5. Africa: Harissa-Yogurt Spread - Whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Harissa sauce, one crushed garlic clove and pinch of salt.
6. Australia: Honey-Ginger BBQ Sauce - In saucepan combine 1 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons minced ginger and 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened and reduced to about 1 1/4 cup, 20 to 25 minutes.

Mexican Style Corn

Serves: 4

• 4 ears fresh Sunshine Sweet Corn, husked
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces Cotija or feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 lime slices

1. Preheat grill or broiler. Grill or broil corn, turning occasionally until hot and some kernels turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Using knife, coat each ear of corn with about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Crumble cheese on one side of each corn ear.
2. Sprinkle with chili powder, dividing evenly. Broil until cheese starts to melt, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with lime.

Charred Corn Tacos with Radish Zucchini Slaw

Serves: 4

• 4 ears Sunshine Sweet Corn
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, as needed
• 1/2 cup torn cilantro, parsley and mint leaves
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 cup radishes, cut into matchsticks
• 1 small zucchini, cut into matchsticks
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
• 10 to 12 small (6-inch) soft corn tortillas

1. Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Over hot grill or open gas stove flame, char ears of corn until well blackened but not completely burnt. Remove from heat; cool. With large knife, shave off kernels into bowl. Add cilantro, parsley and mint; reserve.
2. In small bowl, combine onion and lime juice; let stand 10 minutes. Stir in maple syrup, radishes, zucchini, jalapeno and 2 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
3. Heat your tortillas one of two ways: Wrap whole stack in foil and place in warm 250°F oven for 15 minutes, or coat cast-iron skillet with thin layer of oil and heat over high heat; warm each tortilla 30 seconds to 1 minute each side, until lightly blistered.
4. To make tacos, fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup corn. Top with cheese and radish-zucchini slaw. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Fire Roasted Corn and Chorizo Dip

Serves: 8 to 12

• 3 to 4 ears Sunshine Sweet Corn
• 1 small onion, peeled and sliced into rings
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1 cup cooked chorizo
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1(8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 pound spicy pepper cheese, like pepper-jack or habanero cheddar
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and preheat grill to high heat.
2. Remove cornhusks and corn silk, and place fresh Florida Sweet Corn, onion slices and red bell pepper on grill.
3. Grill corn and bell pepper for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until all sides are slightly charred.
4. Grill onion slices for approximately 3 minutes per side. When veggies are cool enough to handle, cut corn off cob. Then chop onions and pepper, removing pepper seeds. In 8-by-8-inch baking dish or one-quart souffle dish, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
5. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until edges are bubbly. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Source: Sunshine Sweet Corn

(Family Features) This Cinco de Mayo, make sure you're prepared to celebrate the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Gather your family on this festive day to enjoy music, dancing and, of course, great Mexican food.

As you're getting ready for this year's fiesta, keep Mama Ortega in mind. Maria Conception Jacinta Dominguez Ortega, otherwise known as Mama Ortega, raised a family of 13 children with homemade Mexican meals every night. One hundred fifty years later her traditions still live on with great Mexican foods from Ortega.

Make some of your own family traditions with great recipes such as Pasta and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Cilantro Dressing, Taco Casserole or, perhaps, a Frozen Margarita Pie. From tasty whole kernel corn taco shells and delicious salsas to authentic taco sauces and diced green chiles, Ortega offers a wide variety of Mexican food products to meet all of your family's needs.

To get some new ideas on Cinco de Mayo recipes and valuable coupons, visit www.ortega.com.

Taco Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 servings

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Taco Sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) Ortega 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 package (12-count) Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Shells, broken, divided
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Chopped tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
2. Cook beef and onion in large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned. Drain and discard excess fat.
3. Stir in taco sauce, water, chiles and seasoning mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Layer half of broken taco shells on bottom of prepared baking dish. Cover with half of meat mixture; sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
   Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve with desired toppings.

Pasta and Grilled Vegetable Salad with Cilantro Dressing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Start to Finish: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Dressing

• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Regina red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Polaner minced garlic
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, cut in half
• 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, cut in half
• 1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into thin slices
• 1 medium yellow squash, cut lengthwise into thin slices
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
• 1 pound pasta shells or penne, cooked
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
• 1/4 cup firmly packed fresh basil, cut into thin strips
• Lettuce leaves (optional)

1. Combine chiles, cilantro, oil, vinegar and garlic in small bowl. Whisk until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 15 minutes. Lightly brush grill grid with vegetable oil.
3. Grill bell peppers, zucchini, squash and onion 3 to 5 minutes per side or until fork-tender. Remove vegetables from grill: cut into bite-size pieces.
4. Toss cooked pasta, salsa, sliced vegetables and basil in large bowl or serving platter. Serve with dressing on lettuce leaves, if desired.

Frozen Margarita Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Start to Finish: 4 hours
Makes: 8 servings

Crust

• 10 Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Filling

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup frozen limeade, thawed
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 drop green food coloring
• 1 cup whipping cream
• Lime curls (optional)

1. Place taco shells in food processor and pulse until evenly ground.
2. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in taco crumbs and sugar until well blended. Press firmly over bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie plate.
3. Place in freezer until firm.
4. Combine sweetened condensed milk, limeade, orange juice and food coloring in large mixing bowl.
5. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream gently into condensed milk mixture until blended. Pour onto prepared crust.
6. Freeze uncovered, 4 hours or until firm. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with lime curls, if desired.

Tip: To crush taco shells without a food processor, place them in a resealable plastic food storage bag and run a rolling pin over the shells until they're evenly crushed.

Source: Ortega

(Family Features) Cinco de Mayo is a fun and festive holiday that's celebrated with music, dancing, family and delicious food. To bring great Mexican flavors to your fiesta, take a lesson from Maria Conception Jacinta Dominguez Ortega - also known as Mama Ortega.

In the 1800s, Mama Ortega created a loving home for her 13 children, and it centered around a tiny kitchen. From her small charcoal-burning stove, Mama created memorable meals her family loved. Everything for each meal was homegrown, handpicked and homemade.

You may not be able to grow your own ingredients, but you can take advantage of the way Mama did things - through authentic ingredients such as the line of Ortega Mexican Foods products. Fire-roasted chiles, authentic taco seasonings, crisp taco shells made with whole kernel corn and America's number one taco sauce are just a few of the ways that Ortega brings authentic Mexican flavor and fun to your family's dinner table.

For more delicious Mexican recipes to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo - or any day - visit www.ortega.com.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Beef Tacos

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Start to Finish: 6 hours
Makes: 6 to 8 servings

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1 Ortega Grande Taco Dinner Kit
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Diced Green Chiles
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, shredded mild cheddar cheese, sour cream

1. Place beef and onion in 4-quart slow cooker. Combine water and seasoning mix from kit in small bowl. Pour over beef and onion. Cover and cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours or until fork tender.
2. Transfer beef to cutting board; shred beef with two forks. Place in large bowl. Stir in taco sauce from kit and chilies.
3. Fill warmed taco shells and tortillas from kit with beef mixture. Top with cheese sauce from kit. Garnish with desired toppings.

Smothered Beef and Bean Burritos

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 40 minutes
Makes: 10 burritos

• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 Ortega Soft Taco Kit
• 1 cup Ortega Refried Beans
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced tomato

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine soups and sour cream in small bowl; set aside.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Drain and discard fat. Add water and seasoning mix from kit. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in refried beans.
3. Wrap tortillas from kit with clean, lightly moistened cloth or paper towels. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 1 minute, until hot and pliable.
4. Divide beef mixture evenly among tortillas. Fold ends of tortilla to middle, then roll tightly around mixture. Place in baking dish, seam side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Spread soup mixture evenly over tortillas. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with taco sauce from kit, cilantro and tomatoes.

Easy Empanadas

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 25 minutes
Makes: 12 empanadas

• 1 cup prepared refrigerated barbecue shredded pork
• 2 tablespoons Ortega Taco Sauce, any variety
• 1 tablespoon Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chilies
• 1 can (12-count) refrigerated biscuits
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup black bean and corn salsa

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix pork, taco sauce and chilies in small bowl.
2. Separate biscuits into 12 pieces. Flatten each biscuit into 6-inch round, using rolling pin. Divide filling evenly among biscuits, spreading over half of each round to within 1/4 inch of edge. Fold dough over filling; press edges with fork to seal well. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm with salsa for dipping.

Chili Con Queso Dip

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Start to Finish: 15 minutes
Makes about 3 cups

• 1 package (16 ounces) pasteurized processed cheese spread, cut into chunks
• 1 cup Ortega Thick and Chunky Mild Salsa
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles
• 1 package (10 count) Ortega Tostada Shells or 1 package (12-count)
• Ortega Taco Shells, broken into pieces
• Additional Ortega Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles (optional)
• Chopped tomatoes (optional)

1. Combine cheese, salsa and chilies in small saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until fully melted and blended.
2. Serve warm with tostada or taco shells. Garnish with additional chilies and tomatoes, if desired.

Chocolate Chile Brownies With Spiced Frosting

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour
Makes: 9 servings

Brownies

• 1 package (18 to 19 ounces) brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix
• 1 can (4 ounces) Ortega Diced Green Chiles, undrained

Frosting

• 1 cup powered sugar
• 1 tablespoon Ortega Chili Seasoning Mix
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, extending foil over sides of pan; lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare brownies according to package directions. Stir in chilies; mix until well blended. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or use time recommended on package. Cool on wire rack. Using foil "handles," remove from pan.
3. Blend powdered sugar and seasoning mix in small bowl. Stir in milk, adding more if necessary, until desired consistency. Spread on brownies. Slice and serve.

Source: Ortega

(Family Features) This Cinco de Mayo, gather the whole family together and enjoy a true Mexican fiesta like Mama Ortega would have thrown over 100 years ago. With mariachi music, dancing, piñatas and traditional homemade Mexican meals, Mama's fiestas were always a favorite with family, friends and especially her 13 children!

The flavors and smells of Mama's homemade meals still taste great today, but are easier to create - and more fun to eat! Her legendary meals inspired today's convenient and great tasting Ortega Mexican products. Achieve authentic fiesta flavors by using crisp and crunchy Ortega taco shells made with whole kernel corn, topped with slow simmered Ortega Taco Sauce and authentic fire-roasted green chiles. Ortega's zesty Mexican seasonings and fresh-tasting salsas are perfect for adding flavor to your favorite snack, casserole, dip or soup!

So, gather the family together and enjoy a fiesta of flavors with Ortega. For other great recipe ideas or to learn more about Ortega's line of products, visit www.ortega.com.

Taco Rice and Beans

Prep time: 5 minutes
Start to finish: 15 minutes
Serves 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 package (1.25 ounces) Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/4 cup Ortega Thick & Chunky Salsa

1. In skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Stir until combined and slightly thickened. Add beans, rice and salsa; stir. Cook 5 minutes more or until contents are heated through.

Grilled Margarita Shrimp

Prep time: 40 minutes
Start to finish: 50 minutes
Serves 6

• 1 cup margarita mix
• 1 cup Ortega Taco Sauce, divided
• 2 pounds raw shrimp (21 to 30), peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons Ortega Diced Green Chiles

1. In large bowl, pour margarita mix and 1/2 cup taco sauce over shrimp and toss well. Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat grill until sizzling hot, about 15 minutes. Grill shrimp 4 minutes on each side or until pink.
3. Combine remaining 1/2 cup taco sauce with green chiles to use as dipping sauce.

Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Start to finish: 20 minutes
Serves 5

• 1/2 pound cooked ham, diced
• 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• Zest of one lime
• 2 green onions, white and green parts, diced
• 1 Ortega Soft Taco Kit - includes 10 soft tortillas, 1 package (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix and 1 package (3 ounces) taco sauce
• Cooking spray
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream

1. In mixing bowl, combine diced ham, cream cheese, lime zest, green onions and half of taco seasoning packet contained in soft taco kit. Heat large skillet on medium and spray with cooking spray.
2. Spread about 1 teaspoon taco sauce onto a flour tortilla and then spread about 1/4 cup ham/cream cheese mixture on top.
3. Place tortilla-side down onto hot skillet and top with another flour tortilla. Heat about 4 minutes, until bottom of tortilla is browned; spray top of the other tortilla and flip. Cook another 4 minutes and repeat with remaining quesadillas. Cook two at a time if skillet is large enough.
4. Cut into wedges and top with tomato, cilantro and sour cream and serve.

Mexican Meatballs

Prep time: 15 minutes
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Makes about 30 meatballs

• 3 Ortega Yellow Corn Taco Shells
• 1 pound (16 ounces) lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Ortega Chili Seasoning Mix
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Ortega Diced Green Chiles
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) Ortega Taco Sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

1. Break taco shells into food processor and pulse several times to create about 1/2 cup taco shell crumbs. Place into large mixing bowl and add ground beef, seasoning mix, egg and green chiles. Mix thoroughly.
2. Form mixture into 30 (1-inch) meatballs and drop into hot skillet. Cook until they begin to brown. Carefully turn over and continue browning. Add taco sauce. Coat meatballs with sauce and simmer over low heat, uncovered, 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle meatballs with cheese and garnish with cilantro, if desired. Serve with toothpicks.

Photos copyright (c) 2008 Publications International, Ltd. Used by permission.

Source: Ortega