Cinco de Mayo Musings

When I was a kid growing up in So Cal, other than from some of my Mex-Am classmates, you hardly heard much mention of Cinco de Mayo – a voluntarily observed holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But, while it is now observed with incredible gusto in the United States and other countries around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, it’s basically ignored in Mexico. However, if you are a true Caveperson, you find any excuse you can to to make mucho merriment! With that in mind, I thought I’d recall a few Cave-faves that make perfect plates for your fifth day of May fiesta.

What celebration of our neighbors to the south would be proper without some Rockin’ Guac?!? Whether you are serving it as an appetizer with chips and margaritas; a topping to tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas; or a condiment on a torta, guacamole is a must! Make sure your avos are ripe and your ingredients fresh, and your guac will certainly rock!

Tacos. Everyone loves tacos! Well, almost everyone. But, if you have any affinity at all for tacos and happen to like shrimp, too, you will love these Texas Red Grilled Shrimp Tacos! What’s not to love??? They are quick, easy, and best of all, absolutely delicious. Plus, they are a bit different from your everyday street taco. Put some Mariscos on your Cinco menu to make it a fully flavorful fiesta.

The enchilada may be the quintessential Mexican dish. This is true south of the border comfort food. But, if they aren’t made well, there is little comfort afforded to those that partake. This recipe for Tasty Enchiladas, authored by the Cavewoman, will assure that you will be safe from sub-par samples of this soul-soothing dish. Plus, we offer both veggie-friendly and carnivore-cordial versions to make sure everyone at your Cinco de Mayo celebration is covered.

Whether you choose any or all of these recipes, or opt for other Mexican favorites, we wish you a fun, flavorful, and frolic-filled fete. Just be sure that if the Mezcal starts flowing to leave the worm in the bottle!

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.