Cinco de Mayo will be here soon!  Here’s a wonderful recipe from Brenda Ponichtera for those of us who like Mexican food. It is easy to prepare and will be enjoyed by all ages. Consider freezing leftovers in small resealable bags for a portable lunch. Add a salad or fresh fruit to complete the meal.
Photo by Jim Semlor
Baked Chimichangas
4 (8-inch) or 8 (6-inch) whole-wheat tortillas
Filling:
1 1/2 cups cooked and cubed chicken
3/4 cup salsa, thick and chunky
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated, reduced-fat cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional:
extra salsa
Spanish Yogurt Sauce (page 122, Quick & Healthy Recipes and Ideas, 3rd …read more

With Cinco de Mayo just a few days away, it’s the perfect time to start planning a fun themed menu for a barbecue or other casual get-together!
This recipe for Masa Tots comes from Alton Brown, and is made by using shredded corn tortillas and jalapenos (among other things!) and forming them into little balls for frying.
Masa Tots
10 ounces corn tortillas, approximately 20
1/2 cup whole milk
1 whole egg
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup diced onions
2 tablespoons minced jalapenos
2 quarts peanut oil
Tear the tortillas into small pieces and place in a food processor. Add the milk, egg, …read more

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Today, the holiday is marked throughout Mexico and in many parts of the United States.

In preparation for Cinco de Mayo, Wholly Guacamole has shared their recipe for Flag Dip, a festive creation, shaped like the Mexican flag:
Mexican Flag Dip
Ingredients
– Guacamole
– Fat Free Sour Cream
– Salsa
– Rosemary sprigs
– Black beans and olives
– Chips for dipping
Instructions:
1. Divide a rectangular pan into thirds. Spread guacamole and sour cream,
adding salsa …read more

You asked your friend who has a Hispanic background if he was celebrating Cinco de Mayo and he almost seemed offended. Don’t all Spanish speaking people like this holiday?
Actually, Cinco de Mayo is not a holiday for everyone with Hispanic ancestors. It is a Mexican holiday based on the triumphant resolution to a bloody battle with the French invaders. Americans, who played a part in the fight by providing guns and ammo, also have a stake in the holiday. In fact, according to Viva! Cinco de Mayo, the USA may actually owe its freedom to the Mexican troops that fought …read more

We are only a couple of weeks away from Cinco De Mayo.  I am not Mexican-American and I know very little about the history of the celebration beyond the victory over France in the Battle of Puebla.  But I, like most Americans, love a celebration.
Food & Wine has some great recipes and menu ideas for your party:
10 Great Taco Recipes
Perfect Salsas
10 Great Margaritas
Mexican Menu Ideas
Pairing Mexican Food with Wine
Read all the different recipes they suggest along with this one from Rick Bayless.  It is a quick dip with a splash of tequila:
Bayless’s Queso Fundido al Tequila
Total Time:  20 minutes
Serves:  6
Chef …read more

Cinco De Mayo is only a few days away and people are starting to prep their parties.
Like most, I thought that Cinco Ce Mayo was the celebrations of Mexican Independence–WRONG–that is actually September 16th.  Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla.  In Mexico the major celebrations take place in the town of Puebla.  It is about celebrating the human spirit.  Winning against the odds. Persevering despite how gloomy it may look ahead of you.
Cinco de Mayo has probably become a big celebration in the USA because of the large Chicano population.  It also probably has a …read more