Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is known for its music, festivals, and Mexican food in the United States, taking on an important role as a day to honor the culture of Americans of Mexican ancestry. Over the years, an increasing number people who are not of Mexican descent have also joined the celebrations much as they do St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest.

The day finds mariachi demonstrations and music as well as a focus on all things Mexican as people enjoy beverages, food, and wearing clothes and colors representative of that country.

There are a number of recipes to help you get into the spirit of Cinco de Mayo.

Beverages such as margaritas and sangria are always popular at parties and celebrations. You can have include more than one beverage sure to please your guests.

One of the thirst-quenchers that many people enjoy is a Margarita.

Margaritas are a favorite Mexican cocktail. The word margarita means daisy, and you can use the beautiful flower to decorate when serving this drink.

Here is a Margarita recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed ice
½ cup tequila
¾ cup lime or lemon juice
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon egg white
1 tablespoon triple sec
Coarse salt

Combine all ingredients except the coarse salt in a blender until very frothy. Pour into a pitcher and garnish with lime slices. Serve in glasses that have been dipped in salt.

To prepare the rim of the glass for the salt, first dip edge of the glass into ¼-inch lime juice, then quickly into a shallow dish of coarse salt. Shake off excess salt. Let dry at room temperature.

This recipe will yield 6 4-ounce servings.

Cinco de Mayo is a time of celebration with music, festivals, and food. One of the easiest ways to please your guests is to offer delicious appetizers along with your favorite beverage. We have several appetizers you will enjoy. Unless you prefer to work alone, gather a few friends and family members to help you create a wonderful array of finger foods and appetizers.

It is always a joy to see the faces of people gathered in your home as they enjoy talking, laughing, and eating. When you have good food available at your social events, you will find you never lack in the number of guests who are willing to attend. Food and good friends always attract attention.

Here is an appetizer to get you started.

Cheese Crisps

Quick, easy and delicious, this appetizer will soon be everyone's favorite. You can include your choice of garnish for variety.

Flour tortilla
Longhorn Cheddar cheese, grated

Warm a large flour tortilla by placing on an ungreased, heated griddle or frying pan. Turn once.
Sprinkle with a generous amount of grated cheese, and allow to cook until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Remove to a warm serving dish, garnish with your favorite toppings or serve plain. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife or utility scissors.

Although Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday, many people around the world love to celebrate as well. Festivals and parties have become synonymous with the fifth of May. Throwing your own Cinco de Mayo celebration can be fun.

Table decorations are part of the traditional celebration. The bright colors help put your guests in the mood to party.

As with any party, table decorations play an important part in hosting a successful party.

Sombreros have a long history in the life of Latin Americans. The word sombrero refers to a type of hat that is original to Mexico, and used for protection from the hot sun. It usually has a rather high crown and an extra-wide brim. The brim is wide enough to protect the wearer from the sun. There are many designs with various patterns, colors, and decorations.

The sombrero is often used in traditonal Mexican celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo because of its status as a cultural symbol.

Celebrations and festivals play an important part in a successful Cinco de Mayo experience.