Hello, Posse!
I hope you are all having a great week. I have been a bum the last few days. I did end up having a minor allergic reaction to my CoVid19 vaccine, which was not at all surprising for me. I popped an allergy pill every day and it kept everything in check. It all subsided after a few days, but I was wiped out. I spent a lot of time just resting, but I'm feeling better and am going to see if I can knock out the last bit of part 5 this week. I only have a few more chapters to write and the epilogue is already written so, here is hoping.
And now a little about today's celebration, Cinco de Mayo! This is a holiday that is celebrated in many places in many ways. In the US, many consider this Cinco de Mayo as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture of a good number of Americans. When you consider how much of the US is former Mexican territory, it is easy to understand why there are so many Americans who celebrate this day.
Cinco de Mayo had a great surge of attention in the 1960s. Ít was due in part to Chicano activists who wanted to bring awareness to their culture and history. One particular event that was brought to light was the Battle of Puebla, the victory of Indigenous Mexicans over invading Europeans. Today, CInco de Mayo is celebrated with festivals and traditional foods, with some of the largest being held in cities like Houston and Los Angeles.
But you do not have to live in a big city to celebrate. Many towns have parades, Mexican folk music and dancing, you can even have a small party at home with traditional Mexican foods. To that end, we thought we would help you out with a few recipes to celebrate the day in your home.
Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado, Radish and Cilantro
We are starting off with something amazing from Tasting Table, Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado, Radish and Cilantro (<--- click for recipe).
Now, I am not a cilantro fan, I'm one of those unlucky people that it tastes like soap to me, but I'd be willing to give it a try again for this amazing dish. With fresh veggies and lightly poached shrimp, this is a great way to start out a Cinco de Mayo feast.
Tamales
I have always loved tamales and was really uncertain about making them at home as I had always heard how hard they are to make.
This past year my husband, who is from Chile, taught me how to make them. I can't believe I wasted so many years not making these at home. They are not nearly as difficult as I was led to believe.
If you would like to give it a go in your home, and I recommend that you do, check out this recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch, Mexican Tamales (<--- click for recipes). One thing I love about tamales is that you can vary the fillings. Being vegetarian, I like beans and cheese or a jackfruit shredded and cooked in place of the chicken or pork in different filling recipes. You really can't go wrong with a good tamale recipe.
Margaritas
Everyone knows, when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade, but what should you do when life hands you limes? Make Margaritas!
Thanks to the Tasting Table, here are five variations on this classic cocktail (<--- click for recipes). Nothing goes with a great meal like a perfectly mixed drink.
Bunuelos
Every great dinner party needs a good dessert. Bunuelos are traditionally served around Christmas and New Years but there is no reason you can't serve them for Cinco de Mayo as well.
These crispy, sweet fritters remind me of something my own grandmother used to make with leftover pie crust. When I was a kid, I thought it was the best part of her making pies.
Isabel Eats, has a great recipe for Mexican Bunuelos (<--- click for recipe). The only thing you need to be careful about is eating too many of these tasty treats!
I hope this gives you a great start on your Cinco de Mayo celebration but remember, you don't need a special day to enjoy great authentic Mexican foods. It's easy to search online to find new and exciting recipes any day of the week to expand your culinary menu.
When things are winding down from the Cinco de Mayo celebration, remember you do not have to search very far to find the Into the West Saga Serial books. <---- Just click and go! These books are not just a great read on Cinco de Mayo but on any day in May . . . or June . . . or July . . . you get the idea.
Happy Cinco de Mayo, Posse!!
Enjoy!
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