A timeless Mexican love story (and recipes, too!): the union of Sauza Tequila + Food Network star, Marcela Valladolid

Sauza (Tequila) cocktail event with Food Network chef, Marcela Valladolid

Do you remember where you were when news broke that Angelina Jolie finally confirmed that she was, in fact, carrying Brad Pitt's love child?  After much speculation, our minds were put at ease - if only for a moment - before realizing that this baby would likely be the most beautiful spawn in the entire world.  And in May 2006, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt was born.

And while we're on the topic of harmonious unions, I'd like to tell you about a fabulous cocktail party that I had the pleasure of attending on Wednesday evening.  Recently, Sauza Tequila partnered with Marcela Valladolid - cookbook author of "Fresh Mexico," celebrity chef, and adorable hostess of Food Network's Saturday morning hit, Mexican Made Easy - to educate women on the simplicity of making margaritas at home, for any season and any occasion.  No blender required!

Using Sauza Tequila as an ingredient, Marcela came up with deliciously-easy recipes for both food and drink.  From her grapefruit-kissed "Marcela Margarita" to the "Warm Winter Margarita," she demonstrated just how diverse tequila can be.  Honestly though?  I'm not sure which captivated me more: Marcela's seductive Spanish accent and bubbly personality, or her excellent cocktails.

*To view all of my photos from this event, please visit Flickr

Please enjoy two of my favorite, relatively healthy margarita recipes courtesy of Marcela Valladolid and Sauza Tequila.  Salud!

Marcela Margarita

Ingredients:

4 servings

• 6 oz. Sauza Silver Tequila

• 32 oz. Club Soda

• 4 tbsp. granulated sugar

• 4 grapefruits (juice only), or 12 oz. grapefruit juice

Preparation:

1. combine all ingredients in a pitcher. 

2. Mix well and serve cold.

Warm Winter Margarita

Ingredients:

4 servings

• 28 oz. apple juice

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

• 2 cups dried fruit of your choice (at the event, Marcela used dried apples, cranberries and prunes)

• 6 oz. Sauza Silver Tequila

Preparation:

1. Combine apple juice and cinnamon in a heavy pot. 

2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-minutes. 

3. Remove cinnamon stick carefully. 

4. Add sugar, dried fruit, and tequila. 

5. Mix well and serve warm.

…

Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle