suggested side dishes?

x-no-archive: yes

Mmmm, tamales are great for a Christmas dinner!

The one thing that meal needs, IMO, is a good salad with nice, tangy greens. I don't know what
besides greens is low carb enough for you. Is jicama carby? Some peppers might be nice and add to
the southwestern appearance.

Naomi D.

Dawn said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

Dawn

Ungh, being a low carber myself, there are not really that many starchy veggies. :-) There is
actually more that you CAN eat on a low carb diet then you can't. <G>

Any leafy greens, summer squashes or even green beans come to mind...

Avocado fits the bill also.

It might be easy to do a mexican style zucchini?

K.

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"Dawn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

When I travel, I like to sample the local cuisine from the region that I am visiting. Besides, you
may be hardpressed to make tamales, etc. to the standards they are used to back home (I'm reminded
of the time I saw some native Chinese folks make such an ugly scene in an American Chinese
restaurant, but I digress...). Why don't you treat them to some interesting food from your neck of
the woods instead?

Quoted message said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

Dawn

Fennel, if you can get it, makes an excellent accompaniment to any full flavoured roast bird. Bake
it with Parmigiano and the sharp cheese and anise notes will stand up to the other strong flavours.

John

Quoted message said:

half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc.

there are low carb tortillas. try alt.support.diet.lowcarb and ask ... I don't remember the
brand name right now and I need to get going. you can also try lowcarbfriends.com ... great info
there ~Kat

"I think I would like to call myself 'the girl who wanted to be God'. Yet if I were not in this
body, where would I be--perhaps I am destined to be classified and qualified. But, oh, I cry out
aginst it." --Sylvia Plath

In article <[email hidden]>, Dawn

Quoted message said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

Dawn

How about zucchini or summer squash done in a garlic, onion and (unsweetened) tomato sauce? That's
more carby than some will want, but is not a deal-breaker. Additionally, you could do a selection of
low-carb veggies (red pepper strips, cucumbers, broccoli and cauliflower florets) with a sour cream
dip seasoned with Mexican spices.

--
Nancy Howells (don't forget to switch it, and replace the 😉 to send mail).

"Dawn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

But ... but... but ... if they're from the southwest, they can have tamales whenever they want! I
don't know where you live, but wouldn't it be more of a treat for them to have some local specialty?

When I entertain guests from the South, you can be sure I don't serve them fried chicken and grits!

Felice

"Dawn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

How about "Rajas de Chile Poblano" roasted peeled poblanos cut into 1/4 inch strip with sautéed
onions and garlic that is simmered in crema (substitute crème fraiche or heavy cream) along with
dried herbs etc. The recipe is from "Authentic Mexican" if you are interested. A more elegant
alternative to that would be a roasted poblano and crema soup.

Kate

Felice Friese said:

But ... but... but ... if they're from the southwest, they can have tamales whenever they want! I
don't know where you live, but wouldn't it be more of a treat for them to have some local
specialty?

Several of us are "from" the southwest, but not living there now, so the idea was to have some
homemade comfort food to remind us of faraway homes and families.

I've made tamales before, so this shouldn't be a big deal.

Quoted message said:

When I entertain guests from the South, you can be sure I don't serve them fried chicken
and grits!

I thought it was fried chicken and waffles. 🙂

Dawn

Nancy Howells said:

How about zucchini or summer squash done in a garlic, onion and (unsweetened) tomato sauce? That's
more carby than some will want, but is not a deal-breaker. Additionally, you could do a selection
of low-carb veggies (red pepper strips, cucumbers, broccoli and cauliflower florets) with a sour
cream dip seasoned with Mexican spices.

The zucchini sounds really good, and I know it is something I can get locally. Thanks.

Hmmn, I wonder if I could whip up something like a low-carb nacho plate, with sliced zukes, salsa,
and cheese....

Dawn

"Dawn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Felice Friese said:

But ... but... but ... if they're from the southwest, they can have

tamales

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

whenever they want! I don't know where you live, but wouldn't it be more

of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a treat for them to have some local specialty?

Several of us are "from" the southwest, but not living there now, so the idea was to have some
homemade comfort food to remind us of faraway homes and families.

I've made tamales before, so this shouldn't be a big deal.

Quoted message said:

When I entertain guests from the South, you can be sure I don't serve

them

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

fried chicken and grits!

I thought it was fried chicken and waffles. 🙂

Dawn

Ah well, comfort food -- that's another story!

With the waffles, I'd serve creamed chicken.

Felice

Dawn saw Sally selling seashells by the seashore and told us all about
it on Fri, 19 Dec 2003 23:11:12 GMT:

Quoted message said:

Felice Friese said:

But ... but... but ... if they're from the southwest, they can have tamales whenever they want! I
don't know where you live, but wouldn't it be more of a treat for them to have some local
specialty?

Several of us are "from" the southwest, but not living there now, so the idea was to have some
homemade comfort food to remind us of faraway homes and families.

I've made tamales before, so this shouldn't be a big deal.

Nothing wrong with giving the ex-pats a taste of home, so long as you know how to do it properly :P

Zucchini and tomato is a wonderful combination for a vegetable.

Actually, if it was my dinner I think I'd do lightly steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets with
baby squash and/or zucchini spears for the vegie, then serve a tomato sauce and let the guests
decide how much was 'too much' for them 🙂

(huggles)

~Karen AKA Kajikit

Nobody outstubborns a cat...

Visit my webpage: kajikitscorner.comkajikitscorner.comOpen ↗ Allergyfree Eating Recipe Swap:
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"Dawn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato, olives,
ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes that
aren't starchy?

Dawn

Tamales and beans are a Christmas Eve tradition in my house. Do have tortillas for those who want
them. I often serve a green salad with guacamole as a dressing and a spoonful of crema. Salsa and
tortilla chips are always nice and for the low-carb eaters you could serve them chicharrones instead
of the tortilla chips! Green chile and cheese tamales are also good served with a small carne asada
steak. There are always chiles rellanos too. Tequila soaked shrimp and avocado makes a good starter.

Charlie

Tequila soaked shrimp? That sounds amazing! What do you do, just take raw shrimp and soak it in
tequila? Do you boil the shrimp then or saute?

Kilikini

"Beer, the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems." - - Homer Simpson

"Charles Gifford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Dawn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
kc.rr.com...

Quoted message said:

All,

I'm having a casual New Year's Day dinner for 6, and as several of the guests are from the
southwest I was planning tamales as one of the dishes. Now I'm stumped for the rest of the meal,
because half the people at the table will be on a low-carb diet and that means no beans, rice,
tortillas, etc. that traditionally accompany mexican fare. Even the tamales are pushing it, but
hey, it is the New Year.

I'm thinking of adding spanish style roasted cornish hens to the menu (baked with tomato,
olives, ham) but after that I'm stumped.

Has anyone got ideas for vegetables that fit the spanish-mexican theme, or other side dishes
that aren't starchy?

Dawn

Tamales and beans are a Christmas Eve tradition in my house. Do have tortillas for those who want
them. I often serve a green salad with guacamole as a dressing and a spoonful of crema. Salsa and
tortilla chips are always nice and for the low-carb eaters you could serve them chicharrones
instead of the tortilla chips! Green chile and cheese tamales are also good served with a small
carne asada steak. There are always

chiles

Quoted message said:

rellanos too. Tequila soaked shrimp and avocado makes a good starter.

Charlie

"kilikini" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Tequila soaked shrimp? That sounds amazing! What do you do, just take

raw

Quoted message said:

shrimp and soak it in tequila? Do you boil the shrimp then or saute?

Kilikini

There are several ways but here is a good one posted to r.f.c. by Donna McCurley a few years ago.
Very good!

Charlie

DIXIE'S TEQUILA SHRIMP

Recipe by: Dixie Posted to: r.f.c by Donna McCurley 16APR1997

2 lbs. large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/2 cup garlic oil ( Donna: I usually just crush an extra garlic clove or two into the mixture - and
use olive oil) 1 tsp. salt
2/4 cup tequila
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced
4/2 cup chili sauce

Marinate shrimp in the other ingredients for 1 to 2 hours. Place on skewers. Grill 2 to 3 minutes on
each side.

Donna's comments: Here's a wonderful grilled shrimp recipe which was served at a party I attended
recently. The woman who brought this dish made a double recipe -- we gobbled up the skewers as fast
as they were removed from the grill! Dixie was kind enough to share the recipe with those attending
the party and I decided the group might enjoy it as well!

"Charles Gifford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"kilikini" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Tequila soaked shrimp? That sounds amazing! What do you do, just take

raw

Quoted message said:

shrimp and soak it in tequila? Do you boil the shrimp then or saute?

Kilikini

There are several ways but here is a good one posted to r.f.c. by Donna McCurley a few years ago.
Very good!

Charlie

DIXIE'S TEQUILA SHRIMP

Funny I was looking for something a bit different to do with this shrimp I bought. Looks like this
is it. Thanks, Charlie, for posting this.

Jack DeVeined

Charles Gifford said:

There are several ways but here is a good one posted to r.f.c. by Donna McCurley a few years ago.
Very good!

<recipe snipped>

Quoted message said:

Donna's comments: Here's a wonderful grilled shrimp recipe which was served at a party I attended
recently. The woman who brought this dish made a double recipe -- we gobbled up the skewers as fast
as they were removed from the grill! Dixie was kind enough to share the recipe with those attending
the party and I decided the group might enjoy it as well!

Oh, phoo. People will gobble up shrimp in *any* form, unless it's chopped up raw and embedded in
cold oatmeal. Even faster if it's been peeled for them.

Recipe does sound good, BTW. :-)

[email hidden] (Charles=A0Gifford) offered....

Quoted message said:

Tamales and beans are a Christmas Eve tradition in my house. Do have tortillas for those who want
them. I often serve a green salad with guacamole as a dressing and a spoonful of crema. Salsa and
tortilla chips are always nice and for the low-carb eaters you could serve them chicharrones
instead of the tortilla chips! Green chile and cheese tamales are also good served with a small
carne asada steak. There are always chiles rellanos too. Tequila soaked shrimp and avocado makes a
good starter.

Charlie, I just decided to ask for an invitation to your home for such great Christmas Eve eatings.
I'll even make fresh tortillas and fresh, crisp salsa for you. Making my usual variety of about
fifty dozen tamales for gifts to family this year was beyond my physical endurance, but I certainly
would be an appreciative guest at your table!

=A0=A0=A0Picky ~JA~

Charlie,

This is what I'm going to do for Xmas. I always do Swiss Cheese fondue and peel and eat shrimp. Now
I have a twist. Thank you!

Kilikini

"Charles Gifford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"kilikini" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Tequila soaked shrimp? That sounds amazing! What do you do, just take

raw

Quoted message said:

shrimp and soak it in tequila? Do you boil the shrimp then or saute?

Kilikini

There are several ways but here is a good one posted to r.f.c. by Donna McCurley a few years ago.
Very good!

Charlie

DIXIE'S TEQUILA SHRIMP

Recipe by: Dixie Posted to: r.f.c by Donna McCurley 16APR1997

2 lbs. large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/2 cup garlic oil ( Donna: I usually just crush an extra garlic clove or two into the mixture -
and use olive oil) 1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup tequila
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chili sauce

Marinate shrimp in the other ingredients for 1 to 2 hours. Place on

skewers.

Quoted message said:

Grill 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

Donna's comments: Here's a wonderful grilled shrimp recipe which was

served

Quoted message said:

at a party I attended recently. The woman who brought this dish made a double recipe -- we gobbled
up the skewers as fast as they were removed

from

Quoted message said:

the grill! Dixie was kind enough to share the recipe with those attending the party and I decided
the group might enjoy it as well!