A Cinco de Mayo Recipe Collection: Cheddar Chipotle Dip, Mole Poblano, Golden Margarita

The Significance of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza triumphed over the French army. Contrary to popular belief, it is not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th. The latter commemorates the start of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, initiated by Father Miguel Hidalgo.

Misconceptions and Celebrations in the U.S.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, akin to how St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest honor Irish and German cultures, respectively. Cities with significant Mexican-American populations, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Antonio, host grand festivities featuring parades, music, and, of course, delicious food.

Delicious Recipes for Your Cinco de Mayo Party

Appetizer: Warm Chipotle Cheddar Dip

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can (8 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chili peppers, drained
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
• Vegetables, crackers, or chips for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cheeses, mayonnaise, corn, green chili peppers, chipotle chili peppers, and garlic powder.
3. Spread the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish.
4. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
5. Top with tomato, green onion, and cilantro. Arrange the toppings in a pattern if desired.
6. Serve with vegetables like bell peppers or with tortilla chips.

Main Course: Chicken with Chocolate Sauce (Mole Poblano)

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 3 slices canned pimento, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Grated rind of 1 orange
• 2 squares bitter chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup light rum (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat oil in a casserole dish and cook garlic for a few minutes to flavor the oil.
3. Brown the chicken in the oil, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same dish, cook onion, green pepper, pimento, and tomato over low heat for 10 minutes. Add chili powder and blend well.
5. Add broth, almonds, raisins, seasonings, and orange rind. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
6. Stir in the chocolate until melted.
7. Return the chicken to the dish and spoon sauce over it.
8. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until chicken is tender.
9. If using rum, warm it, ignite, and pour over the casserole. Allow the flame to extinguish before serving.

Cocktail: Golden Margarita, Vero Beach Style

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Gold Tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 3 oz sour mix
• 1/2 oz Grand Marnier (or Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• Dash of orange juice
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Salt for rimming glass (optional)

Instructions

1. Rim a margarita glass with water and salt.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and sour mix with ice cubes. Shake well.
3. Pour the mixture, with ice, into the glass.
4. Gently pour Grand Marnier and orange juice on top.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Interesting Stats About Cinco de Mayo

• According to the Nielsen Company, Americans purchase over 81 million avocados for Cinco de Mayo celebrations each year (Nielsen).
• The holiday generates significant economic activity, with beer sales alone reaching $658 million in the U.S. during the week of Cinco de Mayo (Statista).

Now that you understand the significance of Cinco de Mayo and have a collection of delectable recipes, start planning your celebration. May 5th will be here before you know it!