Happy Cinco De Mayo Recipes

For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo means enjoying Mexican food and probably a few margaritas.

But Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5 in Spanish, is probably one of the most misunderstood Mexican holidays.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's independence day.

Mexican independence is celebrated on September 16th.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

In fact, the holiday had its origin more than 50 years after the date associated with the country’s independence.

Here are some great Mexican/American-style recipes we have made through the years in celebration of Cinco De Mayo our family enjoys.

a collage of Mexican American recipes for Cinco De Mayo

Staples in Mexico

The staples of Mexican cuisine are typically corn and beans.

Corn, traditionally Mexico's staple grain, is eaten fresh, on the cob, and as a component of a number of dishes.

Most corn, however, is used to make masa, a dough for tamales, tortillas, and many other corn-based foods.

Squash and peppers also play important roles in Mexican cuisine.

Tulum Ruins

We have cruised to Mexico a few times and even flew there on vacation to see the beautiful country, ruins, and history.

It's very beautiful in some tourist areas, then run down and poor in others.

The history and artifacts are fabulous.

The first time I visited Tulum was just a few years ago when the area was very touristy and crowded.

Your best chance at exploring the site without having to fight your way through the masses is to be there right before opening time.

The Tulum ruins are accessible to visitors from 8 am - 5 pm every day, and even before 8 am you can usually expect a huge amount of tourists waiting for the site to open.

If you get there earlier you should have a good hour before the caravan of tour buses arrive.

Happy Cinco De Mayo Recipes this is Cabo st Lucas

Spice and Foods

The most important and frequently used spices in Mexican cuisine are chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, epazote, cinnamon, and cocoa. Chipotle, a smoke-dried jalapeño chili, is also common in Mexican cuisine.

Many Mexican dishes also contain garlic and onions.

Next, to corn, rice is the most common grain in Mexican cuisine.

The initial introduction of rice to Spain was from North Africa in the 4th Century led to the Spanish introduction of rice into Mexico at the port of Veracruz in the 1520s.

This created one of the earliest instances of the world's greatest fusion cuisines.

You may also just like to try some easy Mexican American casseroles we love Chicken Chiles Rellenos or our Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas two of the easiest casseroles on the planet when you're in a hurry and want to partake in a Cinco De Mayo Celebration.