¡Hola!
This February has been a big month with the Super Bowl, Super Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Lent, President's Day...what am I missing here? Oh, Valentine's Day! Which some people refer to as "Single Awareness Day". Whatever you're celebrating, a Mariachi and food followed by chocolate will work for just about any occasion. See the article on mariachis, a recipe for Shrimp and Crab enchiladas and check out our list of the "Top Ten Gifts for the Latin Lover in You!"
Felicidadas,
Darlene
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| What's a Mariachi?
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What is a mariachi? Well I can tell what it's not. Many people mistakenly think that when they see three guys strolling around a Mexican restaurant singing songs that they are a mariachi. Nope, not true! A true mariachi consists of 11 -15 members which should include six violins, two trumpets,a high-pitched guitar called the vihuela,
a deep-voiced guitar called the guitarrón and a Mexican folk harp.
 The mariachi as we know it today originated from the State of Jalisco in the 19th Century. Mariachis prior to that time were small local groups until Gaspar Vargas founded Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in 1898 which survives today. Dressed in traditional charro suits customary in the 19th century, Mariachi Vargas continues to hold the title of "El Mejor Mariachi Del Mundo" ( World's Best Mariachi) originally bestowed upon them in the 1950's.
Mariachi Vargas has recorded more than 60 CDs and has been featured in
more than 200 films and music videos. The group has performed with hundreds of Latin music artists including Luis Miguel, Pedro Infante, José Alfredo Jiménez, Lola Beltrán, Juan Gabriel and accompanied Linda
Ronstadt during her Canciones de Mi Padre tour.
Traditionally a gentleman would send a mariachi to awaken a girl he was courting with Las Mañanitas at the break of dawn or for a special loved one on their birthday. The famous opera singer Placido Domingo, who also recorded a mariachi album, said "When I courted my wife, I hired mariachi singers to serenade her just as lovers do today." Mariachis are also commonly seen at weddings, baptisms, funerals or other special occasions.
But, there is no better place to experience the sounds and colors of the mariachi tradition than the world's largest International Mariachi Festival which takes place in Guadalajara every September. 500 of the world's best mariachis descend upon the city performing in various concert halls and street markets demonstrating the popularity and passion of mariachi
music. ¡Viva El Mariachi!
More Mariachi History >
Purchase Mariachi Vargas CDs >
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán PBS Performance >
Pedro Infante sings Las Mañanitas >
Mariachi E-Card >
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History of Chocolate
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Discovered by the Olmecs and renowned as Montezuma's favorite aphrodisiac learn more about the History of this wonderfully addicting "Food of the Gods".
History of Chocolate>>
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| Top Ten Gifts for the Latin Lover in You!
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 Don't know what to get your sweetie for Valentine's Day? CasaQ has
hand-picked an array of spicy and romantic Valentine's Day gifts that say "Te
Amo" with a latin flair. From flaming-hot Spanish poetry to hiring a
romantic trio to serenade your loved one, this list will help you to
express your heartfelt wishes. Top Ten Gifts for
the Latin Lover in You! >Papi Chulo & Mamacita Teddy Bears Call 1-877-82CASAQ or 408-280-1065
today to order or for more information.
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Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas
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Many people think of Lent as the time
Catholics give up meat
on Fridays so here's a scrumptious recipe for seafood enchiladas that's really good for anytime of the year.
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cp Queso Fresco
(or 1/1/2 cp Monterrey Jack)
1 cp Crema Mexicana or Sour Cream
3 tbsp Butter
1/4 cp Green Onions - diced
1 tbsp Jalepeno - seeded & minced
1/4 cp each Red & Green Bell Pepper - diced
2 1/2 cp Crab Meat - pre-cooked
2 1/2 cp Raw Shrimp - peiled & deveined
1/2 cp Fresh Cilantro - chopped
1 tbsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
12 Corn Tortillas
2 cps Green Enchilada Sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Pre-heat oven to 350°
In
large saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions, jalapeños and bell
peppers for 2 minutes. Add seafood, cilantro, cumin and salt
& pepper. Stir to mix thoroughly and sauté 3 more minutes. Remove
from heat to cool, add crema and cheeses.
Heat enchilada sauce in saucepan. Dip each
tortilla and stack on plate. To assemble, spoon 2 - 3 tablespoons
seafood mix into each tortilla, roll up and place seam down in greased
9x12 baking dish. Cover with enchilada sauce and bake 30 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover with remaining cheese and return to oven for
5-7 minutes. Garnish with crumbled Cotija cheese or drizzle crema and avocados.
Servings: 6
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Serenade Your
Loved One On Valentine's Day!
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Send a romantic trio to your sweetheart's work or home to show your love in grand style. Cost: $250
Call 1-877-822-2727 today to book for February 14th!
If you're love is big but your budget's small send a Mariachi e-Card for only $2!
Mariachi USA E-Card>
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