Mexican-themed Dinner

The vineyard is stressed this year with too much over-wintering pests, too much rain and too many birds. We still have fruit, but with two weeks until harvest, I’m scrambling to keep the birds from eating more grapes.

I bought four plastic owls that David rigged on posts. Then I strategically zip-tied them throughout the vineyard to the trellis posts. This morning I saw several birds on a wire watching the owls. I wonder if they are fooled.

I’ve been pouring through cookbooks looking for ideas for a Mexican-themed dinner. I ran across some quick and easy recipes that are worth a try.

Egg Enchiladas
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
3 8-oz cans tomato sauce
2 tsp. chili powder
8 eggs
1/4 c. half-and-half
1 small can chopped green chiles
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp. butter
6 corn tortillas
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat and sauté onion and green pepper. Add tomato sauce and chili powder. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Beat eggs lightly with half-and-half. Add chiles, salt and pepper. In a separate frying pan, heat butter over medium-low heat. Add egg mixture and cook until the egg are set.

Dip each tortilla in hot tomato sauce until soft. Then spoon a sixth of the eggs down the center. Roll up and place seam side down in a shallow baking dish. Continue the process with the remaining tortillas and eggs.

Reheat remaining sauce and pour over top of rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese. Place under broiler and heat until the cheee melts.

Zucchini with Corn and Peppers
3 Tbsp. butter
2-1/2 lbs. zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 10-oz package frozen corn, or the equivalent of fresh kernels
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large frying pan over high heat, melt butter and add zucchini, corn, bell pepper, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often until most of the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add salt and pepper as needed.