This time of year always has me missing home, and now with the birth of Darlington, I can’t help but think of the transition from summer to fall in New Mexico. It’s the most miraculous time of year, with miles of unharvested produce as far and wide as the mirroring skies.

I like to imagine the day when she’ll run through those giant corn mazes, which rise from the earth and consume the imaginations of curious children for hours. At night, when the desert sun hides behind the moon, sounds of laughter will fill the air. Our friends and family will gather around, telling stories and sipping spicy margaritas, while majestic mesquite trees sway in the nighttime breeze. The scent of rain will mingle with the aroma of freshly picked corn and chili being churned in large metal roasters—signifying the end of yet another glorious day along the Rio Grande with Border people who inhabit unofficial towns with dirt roads, adobe homes, and farm animals meandering from yard to yard.

If you’d like a taste of our New Mexico, try my Mama’s Beso Caliente Margarita recipe. It’s a spicy twist on one of the Southwest’s most loved cocktails.

As always, we’d love to see photos when you try out any of our recipes. Or, if you have an amazing recipe that you’d like to share with us, contact me at Model Behaviors and it might make the next Monday Menu!

Ole! You are on your way to being an honorary New Mexican!

Salud!