May 5th is always a fiesta, and my local Mexican restaurant is usually packed. It does not matter what time of the day I try to go. Getting a table can be challenging. Instead of waiting for my name to be called this year, I will prepare a Cinco de Mayo feast at home.
While waiting for things to cook, Juliann Esquivel’s (Florida City, FL) Mexican Red Table Salsa, Salsa Roja De Mesa is perfect for snacking.
“This salsa dates back to my great-grandmother’s time; I am sure even further back,” reveals Juliann. “This sauce has been passed down for generations. It is timeless and delicious.”
With a lovely blend of tomatoes, garlic, jalapenos, onions, and cilantro, this tastes just like the salsa you can find at an authentic restaurant. I’m always amazed at how full of flavor this easy-to-prepare red salsa is.
So what’s on the menu? How about Mexican favorites like Chimichangas or White Chicken Enchiladas?
“If you’re feeling like a Mexican night, these will help fit the bill,” says Ann McCue (Side Lake, MN) of her Chimichangas recipe.
With melty cheese and a crunchy shell, these chimichangas are super easy with many delicious flavors. Green chiles add a bit of heat, while cumin gives them a slightly smoky flavor. Add your favorite toppings, and it’s a simple meal your family will love.
Elizabeth McCarthy (Miami, FL) thinks her White Chicken Enchiladas W/ Green Chilies recipe is “the best chicken enchiladas,” and my family enjoys these.
Pick up a store-bought rotisserie chicken, and these enchiladas can be thrown together in no time. Creamy, tangy, and cheesy, green chiles in the sauce add just a hint of spice. Yum!
Complete the meal with Melissa Turner’s (East Moline, IL) Sopaipillas (Mexican Dessert).
“Tender warm pillows of fried dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with honey,” is how Melissa describes this delicious treat.
If you have never had sopaipillas, stop now and try this fried dough.
As it fries, the dough puffs up nice and fluffy. Then they’re coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and drizzled with honey. So simple and delicious!
While enjoying the meal, sip on Teresa G.’s House Margaritas. “We like to make a double batch to take to barbecues and share,” explains Teresa.
This margarita is mild tasting and does not have a strong tequila flavor. It has the sweet and tart flavors you expect from a margarita, but the beer adds a bubbly flavor I enjoy.
If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but don’t feel like dealing with crowds, these Blue Ribbon recipes will help you recreate your restaurant favorites at home. Check out our Fiesta Time recipe collection for even more ideas to spice up your meal. Happy Pinching!