Enchiladas

I really wanted to cook on my birthday, but I didn't want to be exhausted. So I cooked the day before. All completely from scratch...

Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce- full of tart tomatillo flavor with just enough heat and cheesiness

Refried Beans- cooked in a hint of bacon fat with pasillo peppers and onions

Mexican Brown Rice- fresh tomatoes and spices, reduced and added to toasted rice and slowly simmered in the oven

I doubt I'll over-extend myself to do all these from scratch again at the same time, but the enchiladas are definitely on our list and I have a new appreciation for the sides.

TIP- I used to hate reheated rice or beans, but have found that anything that that tends to dry out in the microwave, if you cover it with a damp paper towel when reheating, it brings it right back to life. ;-)

It's tricky to make sloppy dishes that you are actually going to eat look good in pictures, but I took a stab...