Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite days.  Growing up in Texas it was always a part of our calendar--we would have heritage days at school and pinatas and all sorts of fun things.  In college it inevitably grew into something else, which was equally fun but involved more pools and barbecues than pinatas and candy.  Whatever the day entailed, even if it was taking or studying for a final (which it inevitably always was) I celebrated with gusto.  And of course, much of that gusto was directed towards food.

Here's a list of everything you need to make your Cinco de Mayo an eventful one.  

Fajitas are always a welcome idea if cooking for a crowd.  Most of it can be done ahead of time and everyone can make their own!  It was standard dinner party fare in my college days.

Carne Asada would be a good fajita addition too.

Enchiladas are good.  

In all forms.

At any time of the day.

And they can even be good for you.

You could make taquitos.

Or Flautas.  And if you can tell me the difference I'll give you a dollar.

You could go the quick route and make these Mexican Pizzas.

Or these shrimp quesadillas.

But you could also go the low-and-slow-all-day thing and make braised pork shoulder tacos.

Or roast a leg of lamb and call those tacos.  You may even win a prize for them!

You could make my Dad's pinto beans and bake some corn bread.

You could also make Now or Never Chili.  It's delicious.

What would a party be without dip?

But for all that is sacred, do not forget the salsa.  Do not!

So, clearly I love Mexican food, which means you should be all set for Cinco de Mayo.  Make a pitcher of Margaritas and crack open a Corona and celebrate with these recipes.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!