MY TOP CINCO DE MAYO RECIPES

Happy Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May... today celebrates the American holiday commemorating the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. That's right- it is primarily an American tradition and one we celebrate with mucho gusto...  the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world happens in Los Angeles, in fact.

If you're celebrating at home, here are a few of my favorite recipes, just right for Cinco de Mayo or anytime you want a little South of the Border flavor. Make sure to scroll all the way down for my Taco Bar and Margarita Bar how-to!

TOP CINCO DE MAYO RECIPES

Slow Roasted Chipotle Pork is so easy and so good, it will become your favorite go-to when you want to entertain. Photo: Arden Photography Plating by Earthborn Pottery.

SLOW ROASTED CHIPOTLE PORK: This dish is very similar to a Mexican favorite called Carnitas. I simply roast the pork until it falls apart to use for tacos or sandwiches.  Get the recipe...

My recipe for Traditional Margaritas or Pomegranate Margaritas includes a large quantity version for big batch cocktails.

TRADITIONAL MARGARITAS: If you've never had a homemade margarita, try my recipe. It is so much better than any mix you might find and far fewer calories, too! Get the recipe...

POMEGRANATE MARGARITAS: Are so much better than a traditional margarita to me... but oh-so dangerous because they go down way too easy. Get the recipe...

My Pineapple Tomato Salsa is really one of my favorite recipes: put it on grilled fish, braised pork or chicken. Soooo good! Photo: Arden Photography Plating: Earthborn Pottery

PINEAPPLE TOMATO SALSA: I could eat this on just about anything! It is the perfect companion for spicy grilled fish or slow cooked chipotle pork. Get the recipe...

This salsa recipe will become your favorite for fast and easy summer entertaining. Add a cold beer and something off the grill and you're done.

SPEEDY FOOD PROCESSOR SALSA: A few staples and pantry ingredients along with a food processor and you've got a quick and delicious salsa in a matter of moments. Get the recipe...

CREAMY GUACAMOLE: Guacamole is always a welcome addition to a party- Cinco de Mayo or any other day. This one is very creamy- made with the addition of cream cheese. Leave it out and this recipe is still fantastic but with the cream cheese, it's richer and creamier. Get the recipe... 

Want some Cinco de Mayo party ideas? Try one of these!

MAKE A TACO BAR: One of the easiest ways to entertain is to let folks make their own favorite taco. Set up the counter with some options for fillings and let them go!

Set up a taco bar at home with lots of toppings and condiments. It is one of the easiest entertaining solutions ever- and delicious, too!

Easy and fun: make a Margarita station with fresh fruit and a rimming station.

HAPPY HOUR AT HOME WITH FRESH FRUIT MARGARITAS: Get the how to... fresh fruit allows guests to mix and match to make their own favorite. Rims include salt, salt and chipotle, sugar, and my favorite, a salt and sugar combo.

RECIPE: PINEAPPLE TOMATO SALSA

I love the sweet spiciness of this salsa... pineapple, tomato, and a onion and jalapeno for heat. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to jalapenos. I always add 1/2 of the recommended amount. Taste. Then add more if I want to. You can't take it out if it is tooo hot! Sometimes, I make the recipe with half the jalapenos then split it into two bowls. I add the remaining jalapeno to one of the bowls and label that one HOT for my guests who like a lot of heat.

Pineapple Tomato Salsa is great on fish, grilled meat, pork, or even on its own. I always serve it with my Slow-Roasted Chipotle Pork or Tequila Lime Tuna recipe. (Photo by Arden Photography and bowl by Earthborn Pottery)

PINEAPPLE TOMATO SALSA

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 20 minutes    Cook Time: no cook recipe 

INGREDIENTS

3 cups fresh pineapple, diced very small

1 large ripe red tomato, seeded and diced very small          

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

¼ cup lime juice                       

½ cup red onion, diced very small

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced very small

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients and chill. Taste and add more jalapeno pepper if you like a spicy hot salsa. This has medium heat. Perfect condiment with fish, pork, and chicken. Let this sit out about 15 minutes before serving time.

RECIPE: SPICY SPEEDY FOOD PROCESSOR TOMATO SALSA

This is one of those recipes you can whip up fast when friends drop in… and if you don’t have all of the ingredients, it really does not matter. Use what you have; it is perfectly okay to omit the cilantro and add Italian parsley or omit the jalapeno and add your favorite pepper.

Normally, if I'm serving chips and salsa, I will stop by my favorite Mexican restaurant and pick up warm chips to serve but this salsa is so good, any old chip will do.

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: no cook recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 small white onion, quartered

2 small jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon olive oil

Juice from 1 lime

¼ teaspoon lime zest

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

4 large red tomatoes, quartered, seeded

1 green tomato, quartered, seeded

1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

Pinch red pepper flakes, optional

 INSTRUCTIONS:

Add the first 2 ingredients into the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until very finely chopped. Add the next six ingredients and pulse until chopped but not runny- leave the texture as whole as you can. Add the tomatoes and pulse 6-8 times depending on how chunky you like your salsa. Add the cilantro and pulse 1-2 more times. Check the seasoning; you may want to add more salt and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes to up the heat. Serve with tortilla chips or over eggs for breakfast.