A South Of The Border Twist

 Tomorrow is Cinco De Mayo and that means an abundance of good Mexican food. Yet any dish can benefit from a little salsa, or a slice of avocado.it's just adding a Mexican twist on things.

Beans can easily be spiced up with a variety of different spices.I made an all bean chili dish that had chili spices in the,.This is what I got on my Lidl haul and thought it would be a fun and easy dish with Lidl's instant rice. Cumin and cayenne are what give Mexican food it's unique flavor. You can easily use these in a day rub for chicken or beef. You could also create a carne asada. which is a mix if any kind of citrus juice with a splash of soy sauce. Rich spices such a as cumin, paprika  and chili powder are added for more flavor. Olive oil is added for smoothness. A typical marinade time for carne asada is around twenty four hours.

Adding anything with avocados to a dish s always a good thing. I cannot resist Lidl's Avocado Fritters.These are tasty breaded strips that can easily be air fired

The photo is  a bit dark but you can see the fries Yet avocado can also be added to a ciambatta with tomatoes and onions .This is a recipe from the famed British chef and baker Mary Berry.Adding avocado gives a creaminess and balance to an other wise tangy sandwich. You could also add a layer of guacamole to any chicken or turkey sandwich too for something different. Salsa, another Mexican classic can be mixed in to any tomato sauce or bruschetta for a zingy twist on Italian classics.

It's Cinco de Mayo.Yet the Mexican influence can be used all year round. Try adding a dash of chili powder a slice of avocado or a splash of salsa to any  dish.

Celebration Weekend

 It is a weekend of pure celebration thanks to Cinco de Mayo, the Coronation and the Kentucky Derby. It is a weekend of fun food and fun activities. What will you be eating?

It's still the fifth of May. You can easily go to Moe's or Taco Bell for a quick burrito. You can also make tacos at home with a variety of fillings. You can easily create a beef, soy , shrimp or chicken filling with spices.Throw in chopped onions, tomatoes and peppers in. Add some shredded lettuce and cheedar cheese for more flavor. If you want a quick snack then think of guacamole and chips with maragartias to wash them down. Funny enough one of the coronation dishes is shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa. You can serve that tonight or for tomorrow's lunch. Tomrrow also brings thousands of American's waking up to the crowning o f a new king. Start with a fancy breakfast of mimosas and eggs Benedict.You could also go the British way  and have  a hearty English fry up one, loaded with bacon, sausage, baked beans , fried eggs , mushrooms and tomatoes. Serve with fried bread and a good strong cup of English breakfast tea.

The day ends with the famed and much loved Kentucky Derby.Of course you have to have a mint julip - a blend of bourbon with a simple syrup( a stove top cooked syrup of just granulated sugar and water) muddled first with eight or nine mint leaves.it's made in a special cup that becomes frosted thansk to the ice added and sipped slowly through the crush iced. You can add a splash of bitters and an extra  mint leaf for decoration. What to eat? Freid chicken works but there are special Louisville dishes to make too. You can create a Hot Brown sandwich.it's an open faced hot turkey sandwich drenched in a Mornay sauce. This is where flour and butter are cooked to form a roue.Milk and Swiss cheese are added to it along with a pinch of nutmeg. it can be served with a slice of Roma tomato too. Burgoo, that tasty spicy version of Brunswick stew,a fiery mix of chicken, pork lima beans and potatoes. Cayenne pepper and barbecue sauce give it kick.

What will you celebrate? Cinco de Mayo? The coroation of Charles III or the Kentucky Derby. You have a range of food to party with.

A Big Food Day!

Today is both Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby, Depending on where you are or your tastes , you're either celebrating with  tacos or  mint juleps. Both demand a party or better yet combine the food for more fun.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican 1868 victory over the occupied French army. It's not to be confused with Mexican Independence day which is September 5th, Still Americans ring out all sorts of Mexican goodies with a passion. Parties being held today  will probably have all sorts of tacos, including dessert ones stuffed with ice cream, fruit and syrup along with tostados and guacamole. These are easy to make and a fun way to celebrate.A simple dish are just corn chips and ta tasty homemade salsa. This is easy to make. Just cut up tomatoes onion and peppers, add some hot pepper and garlic salt .

The Kentucky derby is another fun food fest. Mostly it reflects the states long history of hard scrabble settlers and cooking. One is burgoo, an easy stew that is made with any meat and vegetable.Try it with beef or pork and a side of cornbread.Another is barbecue which is a sauce laden shredded pork. This is sweet and tangy , usually piled high on a soft roll and served with chips and a Coke. Special to Louisville are the Benedictine made with cream cheese and cucumber and dyed green, Another is the Hot Brown a hot turkey and ham sandwich which is smothered with Mornay sauce.

What better way to celebrate two fun events  than with good food. Take your pick or enjoy both. Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby have both interesting culinary traditions. All are tasty and fun.