Food

Dining Al Fresco + Homemade Tortilla Chips & Salsa Con Queso

Easy Entertaining for those warm weather months
Filed Under > Appetizers & Sides

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On Martha     *These candelabras are show stopping & perfect for any occasion

Homemade Tortilla Chips, Waiting On MarthaDining Al Fresco, Waiting On Martha     *A mix of vases in different heights, textures, & patterns gives our table an eclectic vibe

Red Sangria Recipe, Waiting On Martha     *Sangria is the perfect cocktail for large groups & summer nights (recipe coming Friday)

Summertime Salsas, Waiting On Martha     *Ditch traditional salsas for whats is in season like our peach, mango & heirloom tomato

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On MarthaOutdoor Entertaining, Waiting On Martha     *Don’t be afraid of color, the red provides the “pop” this table needed

Spicy Watermelon Salad, Waiting On MarthaBlue & White, Waiting On Martha     *A vase anything that holds water including an actual water pitcher

Salsa Con Queso, Waiting On Martha     *Take queso to the next level with jalepeno, green onion, cilantro, & radish garnish

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On MarthaHomemade Tortilla Chips & Refried Beans     *Homemade tortilla chips are worth the extra work I promise!

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On MarthaOutdoor Dinner Party, Waiting On Martha

There’s nothing I enjoy more than summer nights dining al fresco with my nearest and dearest. So when Pacific Foods asked if I’d like to team up for a little easy entertaining I gathered friends and set the table with a Mexican inspired meal.  

Homemade chips, queso, spicy watermelon salad and a trio of  salsas highlighting summer’s freshest flavors (peach, mango, heirloom tomato) set the stage for a build your own taco bar.  A build your own taco and/or nacho bar is not only the definition of easy entertaining, but it’s always a crowd pleaser.  Simply grill a protein or two, set out all of your fresh favorites (tortillas, beans, cheese, guacamole, salasa, queso, tomatoes, onions, jalepenos, etc.), and let your guests create their favorite combinations.  And because Pacific Foods has great organic options such as refried black beans and queso all I needed to do was add a few extra flavors before serving.

I’m sharing my salsa con queso and homemade tortilla chips recipe below, (trust me take the time and make your own homemade tortilla chips I promise it will be worth it), and later this week I’ll show you how to create the perfect red sangria and spicy watermelon salad.  Everything you need for easy summer entertaining because after the winter we all had I’m trying to squeeze every ounce out of summer I can!  Cheers!  truly, MKR

Table & Chairs, Ballard Designs c/o  ||  Red Chairs, Society Social  ||  Garden Stool, One Kings Lane  ||  Candelabras, Dunes & Duchess  ||  Striped Tapers, Waiting On Martha  ||  Drink Dispenser, old similar HERE  ||  Blue Place Settings, One Kings Lane (sold out)  ||  White Place Settings, kate spade new york c/o   ||  Blue & White Bowls, Waiting On Martha (email for availability)  ||  Rope Vase, Waiting On Martha  ||  Faceted Vase, Waiting On Martha  ||  Milk Bottle Vases, Waiting On Martha  ||  Tall Faceted Vase, kate spade new york c/o  ||  Blue & White Vase (collected, similar HERE)  ||  Hand Towels used as Napkins, Waiting On Martha  ||  Rope Bowl, Waiting On Martha (sold out Gold still available)  ||  Blue & White Stripe Napkins, Sur La Table  ||  Rocks Glasses, Dwell Studio  ||  Dress, Persifor  ||  Nail Polish, Nars  

Photography, Rustic White  ||  This post was sponsored by Pacific Foods, a brand I love and adore.  Opinions and recipes are 100% my own.

Homemade Tortilla Chips
Write a review
Print
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Ingredients
  1. 12 Corn Tortillas
  2. 4-6 Cups Sunflower or any preferred oil for frying
  3. Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. In a cast iron or heavy bottom pot, heat oil on high for 5 minutes or until oil reaches 350 degrees.
  2. Cut tortilla shells in half and then half again so you have 4 equal triangles per tortilla.
  3. Once oil is hot place 8-10 triangles in at a time and fry for 2-3 minutes or until tortillas begin to turn golden brown.
  4. Using a skimmer or fry basket remove chips and place on a baking sheet covered in paper towels, salt.
  5. Repeat until all tortillas are cooked.
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
Spicy Salsa Con Queso Dip
Write a review
Print
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. Pacific Foods Salsa Con Queso
  2. 1/2 cub shredded or cubed White Cheese
  3. 1 Jalepeno Diced
  4. 1/2 Red Pepper Diced.
  5. 2 Diced Radishes
  6. 2 Green Onions Diced
  7. Cilantro For Garnish
Instructions
  1. In a small pot over medium high heat add the Pacific Foods Salsa Con Queso, white cheese, red pepper, and jalepeno. Mix until warm and fully melted.
  2. Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl and garnish with radishes, green onions and cilantro. Serve warm with our homemade tortilla chips.
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/

Dining Al Fresco + Homemade Tortilla Chips & Salsa Con Queso

Filed Under > Everyday Dinner

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On Martha     *These candelabras are show stopping & perfect for any occasion

Homemade Tortilla Chips, Waiting On MarthaDining Al Fresco, Waiting On Martha     *A mix of vases in different heights, textures, & patterns gives our table an eclectic vibe

Red Sangria Recipe, Waiting On Martha     *Sangria is the perfect cocktail for large groups & summer nights (recipe coming Friday)

Summertime Salsas, Waiting On Martha     *Ditch traditional salsas for whats is in season like our peach, mango & heirloom tomato

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On MarthaOutdoor Entertaining, Waiting On Martha     *Don’t be afraid of color, the red provides the “pop” this table needed

Spicy Watermelon Salad, Waiting On MarthaBlue & White, Waiting On Martha     *A vase anything that holds water including an actual water pitcher

Salsa Con Queso, Waiting On Martha     *Take queso to the next level with jalepeno, green onion, cilantro, & radish garnish

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On MarthaHomemade Tortilla Chips & Refried Beans     *Homemade tortilla chips are worth the extra work I promise!

Dining Al Fresco, Waiting On MarthaOutdoor Dinner Party, Waiting On Martha

There’s nothing I enjoy more than summer nights dining al fresco with my nearest and dearest. So when Pacific Foods asked if I’d like to team up for a little easy entertaining I gathered friends and set the table with a Mexican inspired meal.  

Homemade chips, queso, spicy watermelon salad and a trio of  salsas highlighting summer’s freshest flavors (peach, mango, heirloom tomato) set the stage for a build your own taco bar.  A build your own taco and/or nacho bar is not only the definition of easy entertaining, but it’s always a crowd pleaser.  Simply grill a protein or two, set out all of your fresh favorites (tortillas, beans, cheese, guacamole, salasa, queso, tomatoes, onions, jalepenos, etc.), and let your guests create their favorite combinations.  And because Pacific Foods has great organic options such as refried black beans and queso all I needed to do was add a few extra flavors before serving.

I’m sharing my salsa con queso and homemade tortilla chips recipe below, (trust me take the time and make your own homemade tortilla chips I promise it will be worth it), and later this week I’ll show you how to create the perfect red sangria and spicy watermelon salad.  Everything you need for easy summer entertaining because after the winter we all had I’m trying to squeeze every ounce out of summer I can!  Cheers!  truly, MKR

Table & Chairs, Ballard Designs c/o  ||  Red Chairs, Society Social  ||  Garden Stool, One Kings Lane  ||  Candelabras, Dunes & Duchess  ||  Striped Tapers, Waiting On Martha  ||  Drink Dispenser, old similar HERE  ||  Blue Place Settings, One Kings Lane (sold out)  ||  White Place Settings, kate spade new york c/o   ||  Blue & White Bowls, Waiting On Martha (email for availability)  ||  Rope Vase, Waiting On Martha  ||  Faceted Vase, Waiting On Martha  ||  Milk Bottle Vases, Waiting On Martha  ||  Tall Faceted Vase, kate spade new york c/o  ||  Blue & White Vase (collected, similar HERE)  ||  Hand Towels used as Napkins, Waiting On Martha  ||  Rope Bowl, Waiting On Martha (sold out Gold still available)  ||  Blue & White Stripe Napkins, Sur La Table  ||  Rocks Glasses, Dwell Studio  ||  Dress, Persifor  ||  Nail Polish, Nars  

Photography, Rustic White  ||  This post was sponsored by Pacific Foods, a brand I love and adore.  Opinions and recipes are 100% my own.

Homemade Tortilla Chips
Write a review
Print
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Ingredients
  1. 12 Corn Tortillas
  2. 4-6 Cups Sunflower or any preferred oil for frying
  3. Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. In a cast iron or heavy bottom pot, heat oil on high for 5 minutes or until oil reaches 350 degrees.
  2. Cut tortilla shells in half and then half again so you have 4 equal triangles per tortilla.
  3. Once oil is hot place 8-10 triangles in at a time and fry for 2-3 minutes or until tortillas begin to turn golden brown.
  4. Using a skimmer or fry basket remove chips and place on a baking sheet covered in paper towels, salt.
  5. Repeat until all tortillas are cooked.
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
Spicy Salsa Con Queso Dip
Write a review
Print
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. Pacific Foods Salsa Con Queso
  2. 1/2 cub shredded or cubed White Cheese
  3. 1 Jalepeno Diced
  4. 1/2 Red Pepper Diced.
  5. 2 Diced Radishes
  6. 2 Green Onions Diced
  7. Cilantro For Garnish
Instructions
  1. In a small pot over medium high heat add the Pacific Foods Salsa Con Queso, white cheese, red pepper, and jalepeno. Mix until warm and fully melted.
  2. Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl and garnish with radishes, green onions and cilantro. Serve warm with our homemade tortilla chips.
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/

Punch Bowl Cake

Filed Under > Food

Punch Bowl Cake, Waiting On MarthaPunch Bowl Cake, Waiting On Martha

One of my go-to, tried and true, easy breezy, always a crowd pleaser dessert is my mother’s homemade punch bowl cake.  Not only is it a showstopper because of its sheer size, but it really is one of the easier, and if you can believe it, healthier desserts I make.  Easy because you can bake everything from scratch or in a pinch simply buy a lot of the ingredients pre-made.  Healthy-ish because I use angel food cake (the lowest calorie and least amount of sugar cake), a ton of fresh fruit, and you can even sub in lite or sugar free pudding and whip cream.  And show stopping, well because look at it.  It’s a beast.  Which makes it perfect when you’re tasked with making dessert for the party.  And just a thought, but how amazing would this be split up into individual mason jars and tied with a ribbon and spoon!?  I think I know what I’m making for our Labor Day fiesta.  truly, MKR

Punch Bowl Cake
Write a review
Print
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups of strawberries, washed and sliced
  2. 2 cans of diced pineapples, drained
  3. 2 Bananas, sliced
  4. 1 Box Instant Vanilla Pudding
  5. 2 Angel Food Cakes (homemade or store bought)
  6. 4 cups Whipped Cream (homemade or store bought)
  7. For the homemade Whipped Cream
  8. 3 cups heavy cream
  9. 3 ounces sugar
  10. A few dashes of vanilla
  11. For the homemade Angel Food Cake (makes 2 cakes)
  12. 2-1/2 cups egg whites (about 18)
  13. 3 cups sugar, divided
  14. 2 cups cake flour
  15. 2-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  16. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  17. 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  18. 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. For the Angel Food Cake (makes 2 cakes)
  2. Place oven rack to the lowest position and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Sift 1 cup sugar and flour together twice, set aside.
  4. In a large bowl beat egg whites in a large bowl, cream of tartar, extracts and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
  5. Spoon into two ungreased 10-in. tube pans. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned and entire top appears dry. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.
  6. To remove cake run a knife around side and center tube of pan.
  7. For the Whipped Cream
  8. Whip cream, sugar and vanilla together until you have soft peaks
  9. For the Punch Bowl Cake
  10. Prepare the pudding mix per instructions on the package.
  11. Cut 1/4 of the top off each cake.
  12. Place the largest half of the cake on the bottom of your trifle bowl and fill in the center of your cake (where the hole is) with pieces from the top of the cake you cut off. Try to make it as flat and even as possible.
  13. Evenly layer bananas, vanilla pudding, pineapple, strawberries, and whip cream as many times and as high as your punch cake bowl will allow. Make sure you completely cover the cake and fill in the sides with each layer as you go. And make sure to layer the bananas first, this will prevent the cake from getting soggy as it chills.
  14. Place in your refrigerator and let chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
*Trifle Bowl HERE.  ||  All images original to Waiting On Martha

Copyright © Welcome by Waiting on Martha  /
Back to Top