Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May), is a celebration of when the Mexican army was victorious over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. What has become a significant holiday in the United States, according to the History Channel, Cinco de Mayo has never been much more than a minor holiday in Mexico – while some areas of Mexico don’t recognize it at all. Rather than focusing on the original meaning around a military victory, the United States has turned celebrating the day by recognizing Mexican culture and heritage through parades, music and street festivals.
Great Plains Communications would like to help you celebrate this weekend by sharing some of our favorite recipes from our cable channel, The Food Network.
Mexican Tortilla Pizzas with Chorizo
These tortilla pizzas are great for a party because they are easy and customizable. You could prepare the tortillas and leave different toppings out for your guests to pick and choose what they love best. Planning to have the party outside, you could even try grilling the tortillas rather than baking them!
Potato Poblano Gratin
This is not your traditional potato gratin, but one with a light heat and smoke from the roasted poblanos mixed throughout, accompanied perfectly by little pops of sweetness from the corn. A few simple steps of layering the potatoes and cheese with the poblanos and corn will leave you with this rich and decadent side dish your family and friends will love.
Queso Fundido con Chorizo
Looking for a quick appetizer for your Cinco de Mayo get-together? This queso fundido is cheesy, tangy from the Mexican-style lager and a little spicy from the chorizo. It is truly a crowd pleaser and goes well with a drink in hand.
Easy One-Pot Pork Carnitas
These carnitas make entertaining easy. With one pork roast, you can feed a whole party. The citrus notes from the orange peel permeate the pork adding a light flavor against the earthiness of the bay leaf. And don’t skip the last step of crisping up the pork, because it is that texture against the smooth avocado and fresh onion toppings that makes the whole dish come together.