Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with Delicious Mexican Recipes!

The Origins and Significance of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it has grown into a significant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the United States. According to a study by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, the holiday's popularity in the U.S. began in the 1860s among Mexican-Americans who wanted to show solidarity with their countrymen.

Start the Party with Guacamole

Kick off your Cinco de Mayo celebration with a classic appetizer: Guacamole with Roasted Garlic. This recipe, inspired by Wolfgang Puck, adds a rich dimension with roasted garlic.

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic

• 1 whole head garlic
• 1 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Guacamole

• 3 medium, fully ripe avocados
• 1/8 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 to 2 tbsp roasted garlic
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 2 small jalapenos, halved, stemmed, seeded, and minced
• 1 tsp salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Roasted Garlic:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   • Place the garlic head on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and rub it with olive oil.
   • Wrap the garlic securely in the foil, place it in the oven, and roast until tender (50-60 minutes).
   • Let it cool, then squeeze out the softened garlic pulp into a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Make the Guacamole:

   • Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
   • Pour lime juice over the avocado flesh and lightly mash with a fork or potato masher.
   • Stir in cilantro, roasted garlic, shallot, jalapeno, and salt.
   • Serve immediately with corn tortilla chips.

Serves: 4-6

Main Course: Chicken Quesadillas with Grilled Pear Salsa

Elevate your main course with Chicken Quesadillas paired with a sophisticated Grilled Pear Salsa.

Ingredients

Grilled Pear Salsa

• 1 large pear, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1/4 cup small diced red onions
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 1 small jalapeno, diced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Quesadilla

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken meat
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions
• 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 6-inch flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup crème fraîche

Directions

1. Prepare the Salsa:

   • Toss pear slices with canola oil and grill for 3 minutes per side.
   • Cool, core, and chop the grilled pears. Mix with red onions, garlic, jalapeno, oregano, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Quesadillas:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Mix shredded chicken, scallions, and Gruyere. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Place the mixture on tortillas, fold, and brush with melted butter.
   • Bake until the cheese is melted.

Serves: 4-6

Refreshing Drinks: Frozen Margaritas

No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a refreshing drink. Try these Frozen Margaritas, perfect for cooling down after spicy food.

Ingredients

• 1 large can sweetened pineapple juice
• 2 large cans frozen limeade
• 2 large cans water
• 2 large cans tequila

Directions

• Mix all ingredients well and freeze.
• To serve, rub lime on the glass rim, dip in salt, and pour the margarita mix.

Serves: 12 large glasses

Dessert: Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake

End your feast with a decadent Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee liqueur.

Ingredients

Chocolate Crust

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham crackers, crumbled
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar

Cheesecake

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate baking squares, divided
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Kahlua, divided
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Mix crumbled graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a springform pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake:

   • Melt 3/4 cup chocolate chunks, add 1/4 cup whipping cream and 1/4 cup Kahlua.
   • Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add cocoa, then eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and chocolate mixture.
   • Pour over crust and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then at 275°F for 50 minutes.
   • Melt remaining chocolate chunks, add remaining cream and Kahlua, and spread on top. Refrigerate for 6 hours.

Serves: 16-20

Traditional Mexican Coffee

Finish your meal with a cup of traditional Mexican Coffee, a delightful blend of coffee, cinnamon, and chocolate.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup ground dark roast coffee
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup chocolate syrup
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Additional ground cinnamon

Directions

• Brew coffee with cinnamon.
• In a saucepan, blend milk, chocolate syrup, and sugar over low heat until dissolved.
• Combine milk mixture with brewed coffee and stir in vanilla.
• Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Serves: 6 cups

Conclusion

Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate family, fun, and food. Whether you're of Mexican descent or simply enjoy the culture, these recipes will help you create a festive and delicious celebration. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and have a tasty week!

For more information on the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo, visit History.com and National Geographic.