I love Mexican food, in fact it’s one of my favorites. So it’s only understandable that having a celebration centered around Mexican culture (well food and drinks anyway) would be exciting for me.
If you want to have a Cinco de Mayo celebration, it’s an easy and exciting way to get a bunch of people together for no real reason other than fun. After all who doesn’t love taco’s and margaritas? Not me, that’s for sure.
Typically you see the same flavors and ingredients in Mexican food: some form of tortilla, meat, salsa, lettuce and cheese. While these are delicious, don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
Tacos
Tacos are one of my favorites and there are so many different ways to do them, they never get boring:
Use a variety of shells, and don’t just stick to the basic crispy or soft. If you can get your hands on some handmade corn tortillas (or make them yourself!), you’ll never want another store bought one. Bonus if can find some flavored ones like cilantro lime or chipotle chili. The best ones are a little thicker and have a chewier texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own crispy shells by frying up the corn ones.
Think outside the box as far as toppings. Use shredded cabbage instead of lettuce for crunch as well as a boost of flavor. I like to toss mine with a little lime juice, cilantro and salt. Instead of typical tomato salsa, try one with mangos or peaches.
Try crème fraiche instead of sour cream or put some regular sour cream in a bowl and whip a little lime juice into for a thinner consistency and tangier flavor. Avocados, fresh jalapeños and crumbled queso blanco cheese make excellent toppings.
You don’t have to just stick to beef or chicken. Marinated pork, cornmeal crusted whitefish, or even swordfish all make excellent protein choices. For vegetarian tacos, try marinated tofu or a grain mixture such as quinoa with corn and black beans for the filling.
If you don’t want to have everyone put together tacos or you just don’t have room, you can do casserole style cooking like a big pan of enchiladas, and make some tortilla soup as a starter.
Margaritas & Beers
And who can forget about drinks? I usually buy a few different Mexican beers and let everyone grab what they want, but how can you have a Mexican celebration without margaritas? Steer clear of mixes, they’re usually full of sugar and not authentic.
For a real margarita, you need only three ingredients: Tequila, orange liquor and lime juice. Simple and delicious. Use at 2:1:1 ratio, so 2 oz of your favorite tequila, 1 oz orange liquor such as Cointreau and 1 oz fresh lime juice. Delicious, easy and truly authentic.
Whatever you do for your Cinco de May celebration, the important part is to have fun.
Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If so, what is your favorite way to do it?
