This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mission®. All opinions are entirely my own.

When it comes to entertaining, summertime and holidays like the 4th of July are where it’s at. There’s just something special about warm temperatures and a fun holiday that makes us all want to step up our entertaining game. It’s like suddenly life feels a little bit easier—you have friends over, you can be outside—it’s a beautiful thing.

There are few things I love more in life than having a group of good people over that I love and just posting up in the backyard. It’s relaxing, fun and I can feel the stress from life melt away. And in my opinion, the 4th of July is the PERFECT time to host such a gathering.

The only downside, though, is I think we tend to tie ourselves up in the details of entertaining that people don’t really care about. I totally understand wanting to host a Pinterest-worthy evening, but there’s a time and place for that. Gatherings like what I’m talking about are much more about the company you keep and the food that you eat, which is why I wanted to create a unique recipe using Mission® Super Soft Corn Tortillas.

So, with that said, I have three tips (and a SUPER delicious recipe) I want to share with you all that I’ve learned from years of entertaining and having friends over.

1. Good food is everything

This is definitely a quality over quantity rule. You don’t have to prepare 20 side dishes and present them on your best dishware. That’s not what makes a good meal. What makes a good meal is food cooked with love and coming up with a recipe that is not draining on you. Preparing a meal for friends and family shouldn’t exhaust you and make you want to hit the sack after it’s served. You have friends to catch up with, remember?!

I know it’s easier said than done, but this is the thought process that inspired our “Deep Fried Cowboy Caviar Tacos” recipe I’m sharing today using Mission Super Soft Corn Tortillas (corn tortillas are gluten free, so no problem if you’ve got gluten sensitivities in the fam).

Mission is all about creating memories centered on food that’s fun, easy and evokes a feeling, which is something I wholeheartedly believe in. Plus, the tortillas are super soft, very versatile for any kind of meal, are even better when heated (in this case, fried, but otherwise you can find directions on the back of the packaging), made with zero lard, no cholesterol and Mission corn flour tortillas, which is the highest quality corn flour available. You can also find them at just about any grocery store nationwide in the bread or tortilla aisle, so that means absolutely everyone can enjoy today’s taco recipe!

When we were making our tacos, everyone got involved—Spiro was grilling the chicken while Zelda and I were chopping and frying. It’s a hefty meal that will fill people up, but my favorite thing about it is involving the whole family and making it with love.

Deep Frying Tip: When you add the vegetable oil to the pan, turn the heat on low and gradually increase the heat setting over time until you reach medium high. Add a drop of water to the oil and if it pops, the oil is ready. (Warning: If the oil is too hot it will jump from the pan and you could burn yourself.)

2. Let your guests join in the fun

Don’t be afraid to let your guests chip in! These people you’re inviting to your home are your friends and they want to help! Asking them to bring a side dish or some chopped watermelon, or maybe provide the beer and wine is not a faux pas. Sometimes I think when I host, I’m tempted to have this moment of glory or something, but the truth is, I need the help and I know my friends and family want to provide it for me.

3. Nobody is looking at your baseboards or kitchen towels

Of course we want our home to look the best that it can and of course we’re going to clean up. But that doesn’t mean you need to deep clean your house, scrub the floors by hand, put out your best dish towels or dust your baseboards. No one is going to notice, I promise! And if you’re tempted to go crazy cleaning, watch this video. It’s hilarious and puts things in perspective.

Ultimately, give the house a surface clean and call it good. Your friends are there to see you and spend time with you! All you have to do is invite people over you truly enjoy and you’re guaranteed to have an afternoon filled with love because remember—it’s the company you keep and the food that you eat that make a day of entertaining special and memorable.

I really hope you love our taco recipe and it has you ready to cook with your family! If it leaves you craving even more tortilla-inspired recipes perfect for entertaining, Mission has a million more on their website. Have a fantastic 4th of July surrounded by friends and family and don’t forget to add in some Mission Super Soft Corn Tortillas for an extra dash of love!

Photo Credit & Food Styling: Leah Nolan
Deep Fried Cowboy Caviar Tacos with Mission Tortillas
ingredients
  • 1 Package Mission® Super Soft Corn Tortillas
  • 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 3-4 Chicken Breasts, Cooked & Shredded
  • 1 Can Corn
  • 1 Can Blackeye Peas
  • 1 Can Black Beans
  • 1/2 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, Quartered
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, Diced
  • 1 Red Onion, Diced
  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Lime Juice, Freshly Squeezed
  • 1/4 Cup Cilantro
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
  • Salt & Pepper
instructions
  1. Place the corn, blackeye peas, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onion and cilantro together in a bowl; mix to combine.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder and salt and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the mix, cover and place the Cowboy Caviar in the fridge.
  4. Place 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a sauté pan and heat on low, gradually increasing the heat over time to medium high. To test the oil, place a drop of water in the center and if it pops, the oil is ready. Use tongs to place a single Mission® Super Soft Corn Tortilla in the oil, allowing it to fry for 15-20 seconds per side (depending on how hot your oil is it may be more or less).
  5. Top the deep fried Mission® Super Soft Corn Tortilla with the shredded chicken, followed by the Cowboy Caviar.
  6. Serve to your friends and family on the 4th of July!
notes

Author: Glitter and Bubbles