Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

While Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor historical anniversary in Mexico, in the U.S. it has become a much larger celebration. The date commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the first Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. It is not, as many people assume, Mexican Independance Day (that falls on September 16). In the United States the day has morphed into a broader celebration of  Mexican-American culture. These celebrations began in California, where they have been observed since 1863, and have spread across the country. 

guacamole

Of course celebrating culture means sharing in food and drink, and Mexican-American foods like guacamole, burritos, and tacos rule the day (along with copious amounts of Corona and Dos Equis and margaritas galore).  Naturally, the EYB library contains everything you need for a successful Cinco de Mayo celebration. Start off with dips: pico de gallo and over 450 recipes for  guacamole, ranging from the basic (No-frills guacamole, pictured above) to the inventive (Strawberry guacamole). You can quench your thirst with delicious drinks like sangriamargaritasmojitos, and micheladas. (My favorite is the paloma.)

The options for main dishes are staggering, and this is one holiday that is especially kind to vegetarians. While traditional faijtas and quesadillas are always a hit, there are many excellent dishes that go beyond standard fare, including roast duck breasts with pomegranate chile sauceroasted pobalnos stuffed with chicken and cheddarZacatecas-style green mole with chicken, and Mexican noodle casserole (sopa seca)

For dessert, try these strawberry, coconut, and avocado-kale pops featuring the colors in the Mexican flag. Other great options are tres-leches cakeFrontera Grill’s chocolate pecan pie bars, and almond flan

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