Yum Peaceful Cooking: Prickly Pear Margarita

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Prickly Pear Margarita


As I was thumbing through the recipes and reading the stories in Muy Bueno, I just happened to notice that 'Drinks' had a pretty thick chapter (A huge plus in my book) and when I saw this vibrant fuchsia margarita...I knew it was meant to be. I mean...look at that color! AND its a margarita. How perfect is that?!

The Muy Bueno Cookbook is a complication of old-world northern Mexican recipes that span 3 generations. The stories and memories that are shared are touching and heart felt. They bring the recipes to life as the importance of family and tradition are expressed. The team that make up Muy Bueno include Evangilina and her daughters, Yvette and Veronica.  The three of them pay an incredible tribute to the grandmother in such a way that makes you wish you could've spent time in her kitchen, in her presence. Learning the old-world ways. But since that's not going to happen...lucky for us, Muy Bueno can bring those ways to your kitchen.

This week I have chosen a recipe to review based on my love of margaritas and my intrigue of making such a beautiful drink. In the cookbook, this drink was dedicated to the Grandma (Jesusita) because of her love of her tunas (prickly pears) and color de rosa (the color pink). I'd like to raise my glass and propose a toast.
'Here's to holding tradition and family values close to your heart. Honor those that came before us and guide those who come behind us.'

Prickly Pear Margarita
Printable Version

4 prickly pears, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup water
3 1/2 cups crushed ice
3 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
3 oz frozen limeade
6 oz silver tequila
4 1/2 oz triple sec (I used Citronge)
3 TB simple syrup
lime wedges and coarse salt to garnish


Until yesterday, I had NO idea that the insides of these prickly pears are pink. Brilliant dark pink. My neighbor, Ruth grows them. Not because she eats the fruit (or the cactus "paddles") but because she likes cactus plants in general.

When I cut into the prickly pear...I was instantly reminded of beets.


But was happy to discover, they don't stain like beats (only a little). The fruit is almost slimy inside...and squishy. It reminds me of kiwi. Now the flavor...I don't even know how or what to compare that to. It's mild, slightly sweet...almost berry-ish. I drank a whole margarita just trying to pinpoint the flavor.  I finally gave up and accepted the fact that it is it's own fruit with it's own highly enjoyable flavor. And proceeded to pour myself a 2nd glass.

Once you have your prickly pears peeled and sliced, put them in your blender along with the 1/4 cup of water....and blend.

Strain into a bowl. You don't really want to "drink" the little seeds that are found inside


You might need to get a spoon and help smoosh the fruit through the strainer. The only thing you want to leave behind are the seeds.

Place crushed ice in the blender. Add the prickly pear puree, lime juice, limeade, tequila, triple sec and simple syrup. Cover and pulse ingredients.

Garnish the rim of your glass with salt. Pour in the margarita. Add a lime wedge and serve


If the color itself doesn't make you fall in love with this drink...then the flavor will. It's not too sweet. It's not tart. It goes down smoothly. I can't describe the flavor. If you've eaten prickly pears, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't....then you'll have to find out for yourself. Don't let the fact that you can barely taste the alcohol fool you. It's there. You'll know soon enough.

This post is part of the Muy Bueno Cookbook Spotlight & Cook-Off sponsored by Hippocrene and hosted at girlichef 

8 comments:

  1. The drink chapter is pretty hefty, isn't it! This is a beautiful margarita. I've eaten prickly pear fruit, but have not tried it in a drink. Sounds fantastic.

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  2. A real Mexican margarita is worth the extra effort.

    I did not not realize that prickly pears were pink inside. I learn something new everyday.

    Velva

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    Replies
    1. Hi Velva. I think some prickly pears are green and some are red. At least those were the options at the market. Not sure if thats just a ripe vs non ripe thing or if there actually are 2 varieties.

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  3. O.M.G. I really really really want one of those!!!!!!!!

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  4. Love the color of your drink. Looks absolutely delicious!!

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  5. I just LOOOOVE the beautiful color of red/purple prickly pears! And a pitcher of these could make for a very wonderful day, indeed... ;) Salud!

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  6. I've seen prickly pear at the local Mexican grocery but have never tried to use them in a recipe. They sure do make a beautiful drink.

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  7. I love your toast, and your choice, for this week's theme! I was blown away by the drinks chapter in this book. It is incredible. This drink was on my radar, but alas there aren't any prickly pears to be found in Georgetown, KY;) I'd love to make the drink with the dry ice....isn't that one gorgeous?

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