Monday, May 01, 2006
Have a taste of Mexico for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo means more than just “the Fifth of May,” its English translation. This holiday commemorates the 1862 Battle of Peubla when the Mexicans defeated the French army. Fortunately, you don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate. And if you don’t want to prepare an entire Mexican meal, these recipes will provide holiday-themed snacks throughout the day.
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Guacamole
2 avocados
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Cut the avocados in half. Remove the pits and scoop out the pulp into a small bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado. Stir in lemon juice, onion, salt, and olive oil. Cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Makes about 2 cups.
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Salsa
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 large onion, minced
1 large green pepper, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
In a large bowl combine chopped tomatoes, diced tomatoes, onion, green pepper, garlic, coriander, and vinegar. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Mix well; allow to chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hours to allow flavors to blend. Makes about 4 cups.
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This versatile recipe works well as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic punch.
Cranberry-Lime Margarita Punch
6 cups water
1 12-ounce can frozen cranberry juice cocktail, thawed
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Artificial sweetener equal to 1/4 cup sugar
2 cups ice cubes
1 cup tequila or ginger ale
1 lime, sliced
Combine water, cranberry juice, lime juice, and artificial sweetener in punch bowl; stir until artificial sweetener dissolves. Stir in ice cubes, tequila or ginger ale, and sliced lime; garnish with fresh cranberries if desired. Makes 10 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
If you are trying to diet or eat a little healthier, your refrigerator should always have a jar of salsa in it. It’s not only naturally fat free, it’s also very low in calories, usually containing less than 30 calories per serving. And the spices can help take the edge off any appetite.
To remove the pit from an avocado, begin but cutting the avocado lengthwise around the pit. Pull the halves apart, and then carefully and firmly strike the put with the sharp edge of a knife. While holding the avocado, twist the knife to remove the pit.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com