Easy-to-Make Menu for your Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Hola! Residents tías here, taking over to guide you through a Cinco de Mayo celebration that's as flavorful as it is festive. Now, before we dive into la cocina, let's take a moment to remember why we celebrate this day. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862—a testament to resilience and unity. So, whether you're a 20-year-old college student or a 45-year-old busy mamá, let's honor this day with dishes that bring everyone to the table.

🌶️ Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Colorful Kickstart for your Cinco de Mayo

These vibrant bell peppers are a feast for the eyes and the palate. Packed with seasoned ground beef and chayote, they're a hearty start to your celebration.

Ingredients:

• 2 chayotes, peeled and chopped
  
• 4–8 bell peppers (choose your favorite colors)
  
• 2 lb ground beef
  
• 1 tbsp onion powder
  
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• 1 tsp cumin
  
• 1 tsp salt
  
• 1 tsp pepper
  
• 1 tbsp oil
  
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).
2. Mix the seasoning into the ground beef. Add the chayote, corn, onion, and Mexican rice. Set aside. 
3. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
4. Prepare the sauce by mixing 2 cups of hot water, 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, salt, 2-tablespoons oil and 1-tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt.
5. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, chayote, and all the spices. Cook until the beef is browned and the chayote is tender.
   
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
   
7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
   

---

🥪 Pambazos: The Ultimate Street Food Delight

Pambazos are the life of the party—messy, spicy, and utterly delicious. These sandwiches are dipped in a guajillo chile sauce, fried, and stuffed with a savory potato and longaniza filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 telera rolls
  
• 8 dried guajillo chiles, deseeded
  
• 1/4 onion, chopped
  
• 1 garlic clove
  
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
  
• 1 tbsp oil
  
• 1 lb longaniza sausage
  
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
  
• Lettuce, shredded
  
• Mexican crema
  
• Queso fresco, crumbled
• Green Salsa to garnish

Directions:

1. Boil guajillo chiles until soft. Blend with onion, garlic, and chicken bouillon to make the sauce.
   
2. In a skillet, cook longaniza until browned. Add diced potatoes and cook until tender.
   
3. Dip each roll in the guajillo sauce, then fry in a skillet until crispy.
   
4. Slice the rolls open, fill with the sausage and potato mixture, and top with lettuce, crema, and queso fresco.
   

---

🍹 The Johnny Sánchez Margarita: Raise Your Glass

No celebration is complete without a refreshing margarita. This version, from the renowned Johnny Sánchez restaurant, is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz White Tequila
  
• 1 oz Cointreau
  
• 2 oz margarita mix
  
• Ice
  
• Lime wedge, for garnish
  

Directions:

1. In a shaker, combine tequila, Cointreau, and margarita mix with ice.
   
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
   
3. Garnish with a lime wedge.
   

---

🎉 A Celebrar!

There you have it, queridos—a menu that's easy to make and sure to impress. Remember, Cinco de Mayo is about more than just food; it's a celebration of culture, history, and togetherness. So gather your loved ones, turn up the music, and let's make this una fecha to remember.

¡Salud y buen provecho! 🥳🌮🍹