La Noche de Las Chicas!

Girlies, and jewelry, and margaritas – oh my! What better way to spend a May 5th than with some of the coolest chicitas—and frosty drinks—Nueva York has to offer. Watch as I put my eight years of Spanish study to its bestest use in decades – my high school maestro would be so proud!!!

Muchas gracias to our gracious hostess, Christine Seisler, for lending her fun Chelsea apartment and trustworthy blender, both of which made the evening feliz and festivo.

Few people know that Cinco de Mayo originated as more than an excuse to drink obscene amounts of tequila, but rather as the day the Mexican Army won the Battle of Puebla over the French in 1862. It’s said that Americans have appropriated this day and celebrate with more entusiasmo than those who reside in Mexico, which really isn’t at all surprising, as Americans are always looking for a way to combine other country’s victories with alcohol. La manera norteamericana!

And there we all were last night – ready to partake in that great American tradition! In attendance were my dear friend Judy (right), and new dear friend Nell.

Nell went home with a pretty jasper and chestnut necklace, highlighted with tiger eye and even more jasper!

She and Judy had a duel over some very pretty shells which Nell won by channeling the powers of el día de madre.

I have known Kathryn as long as I have been in New York (si, es verdad!) and she always leaves with everyone buzzing, “Quién es esa chica???”

My darling Ericka brought her two sweet friends Diana and Heather, and I can’t get enough of any of these girls. Why do we not hang out more, I ask you???!

And, of course, we all felt so lucky that our very own nearly-eight-months embarazada Phyllis came out for the event! None of us could stop buzzing about her little one, who we’ll all meet within the coming weeks!

The backdrop for the evening was a jewelry party, where girls could purchase pretty things to match their moods.

As the hostess, Christine chose a lovely lavender shell necklace.

Ericka was there also to scope out jewelry for her upcoming nuptials a year from now.

Can you see the bling her betrothed gave her on the other side of the margarita?

Just today I found a recipe for Bobby Flay’s White Peach – Silver Tequila Cocktail, which I am sure (ahem!) I will need quite a bit of practice in order to perfect for next year.

2 ripe white peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup silver tequila
1/4 cup peach liqueur (recommended: Creme de Peche)
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons simple syrup
Ice cubes
Slice peaches, for garnish
Mint sprigs, for garnish
Directions
Place the peaches in a food processor and process until smooth. Pass through a mesh strainer into a bowl.
Combine the peach puree, tequila, liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve over ice in rocks glasses. Garnish with a slice of peach and mint sprigs.

There’s almost nothing in the world easier than quesadillas. If you don’t believe me, try this recipe below:

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Salsa
Sour cream
Guacamole
Directions:
Heat half of the butter in a large skillet.
Place 1 tortilla in the pan.
Sprinkle both cheeses on top of tortilla. Place the other tortilla on top.
Use a plate, skillet, or pan lid to press down tortilla when cooking.
When one side starts to get a little brown, add remaining butter to pan and flip over to cook the other side.
When cheese is melted, remove quesadilla from pan.
Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Thanks so much to all of our great girls for making an incredibly rainy night so bright and fun. Viva la cinco de mayo!!! Until next year – adios!