Mexican Retreat in Forestville   Saturday, October 24, 2009

In honor of the upcoming Laguna Writers Retreat in Puerto Vallarta and to honor the Day of the Dead, writers were asked to bring momentos to put on an altar created for the occasion complete with colorful papercuts.Those mementos as well as the spirit of the season inspired prompts for writing. For one prompt, Chris played a ballad sung in Spanish by Linda Ronstadt. The writing that came forth was rich, full and thoughtful. Since the day is also one of celebration, the writing day ended with an upbeat fiesta dinner including live Mexican music played out on the terrace.

Menu

Snacks: Pan Dulce, pepitas, Guacamole, salsa and chips

Lunch
Warm queso panela con oregano
Salad with avocado-lime vinagrette and spicy pumpkin seeds
Assorted tortillas and black bean huarches

Dinner
Eldelmira's Chicken Tinga
(Shredded chicken served with tostadas)
Budin Azteca
(Layered vegetable casserole)
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with cilantro and green tomatillosalsa
Ensalada Estilo Topolobampo
(Rick Bayless's Mexican version of caesar salad)
Mexican Style rice
Tortillas

Mexican Wedding Cookies/ Tres Leches Cake