Featured Holiday – Cinco de Mayo

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo means “The 5th of May.” Many people believe that it is Mexico’s Independence Day. This is not true. Independence Day in Mexico is September 16. The history of Cinco de Mayo dates back to the mid 1800’s. Mexico was in substantial debt with France, Spain, and England. France decided to use this to their advantage and invade Mexico. The first invasion attempt was on May 5, 1862. It is known as The Battle of Pueblain. The Mexican army was out numbered and out matched, yet, they defeated the French army and kept control of their country. Unfortunately, they lost a battle that took place about a year later and the French gained control from 1864 – 1867. Although Mexico lost out to the French in the end…they still celebrate the bravery shown at the first battle. I have included two delicious recipes to fit any Mexican celebration.

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Make ’em Smile Guacamole

(read entire recipe before starting)

1 very small onion, finely chopped
1 medium-large tomato, cored and very finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and very finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 ripe, medium avocados, peeled, seeded, roughly mashed
1/4 cup of finely chopped leaf lettuce
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
pepper to taste
Juice of one small lime

In a medium bowl, mix the onion, tomato, garlic and cilantro. About 1/2 hour before serving, add avocado with the rest of the ingredients. Your goal is to create a thick mass of yum. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or Mexican dish.

Pinto Beans

4 cups water
2 cups dried pinto beans
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2 thick slices of bacon
1 teaspoon cumin

Mix water, beans and onion in 4-quart Dutch oven. Cover and heat to boiling; boil about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 1 hour. Add just enough water to cover beans. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and boil gently, stirring occasionally, until beans are very tender, approximately 2 hours. (Add water during cooking if necessary.) Drain, cover, and refrigerate beans. Use within one week.