Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
We love tacos and margaritas, but do you know why the 5th of May is important to Mexico?
In the United States, "Cinco de Mayo" is a day to drink margaritas and eat tacos, but the day signifies an important battle for Mexico.
What Happened in Puebla?
When Benito Juarez was elected President of Mexico in 1861, he wanted more for the working people of Mexico. He broke up some large land estates so that middle-class Mexicans would be able to buy property. He also was shocked to realize that the treasury had been drained by prior leadership.
He decided to suspend all debt payments, including those to France, Great Britain, and Spain for two years, while he got the country back on its feet. France led an "intervention" and sent troops along with Great Britain and Spain. But soon Spain and Great Britain withdrew forces when they realized it was the impetus for a plot of Napoleon III to conquer Mexico.
In the Battle of Puebla, the 4,000 Mexican troops there were tired and outmatched, but fought hard and beat back the 8,000 French troops.
This didn't end the conflict, but gave emotional momentum to the Mexican army and people. The French finally left, defeated, in 1866.
So, Raise Your Salt-Rimmed Glass and Toast Mexican Bravery at the Battle of Puebla!
Stanley Tucci, one of the coolest people on the planet, offers this classic margarita recipe.
Watch him make it, here.
Classic Margarita
Ingredients:
Double shot of tequila
3/4 shot of fresh lime juice
1 shot of Cointreau
Sea salt
Wedge of lime
Ice
Here's How!
Pour tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau over ice in a shaker
Shake well
Rim glass with lime juice and salt
Pour margarita and ice into the rimmed glass, or strain and pour into a rimmed glass for an "up" cocktail (no ice)
Squeeze a lime wedge and leave it in the glass
Best Tacos Ever
Taco Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground bison or beef
1 small onion, diced
1 small can of diced green chilies
1 recipe homemade taco seasoning (below)
1 8-oz can of tomato sauce
1 16-oz. can of organic refried beans
2 cups shredded cheese (colby jack, cheddar, etc)
Lettuce, tomato, salsa, guac, sour cream, scallions, cilantro, or whatever toppings you like
Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients:
1Tb chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. black pepper
Here's How!
In a large skillet, brown ground bison or beef and onion over medium high heat. Drain off excess liquid. Return to pan and add chilies, refried beans, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
Mix well and cook for a few minutes if mixture seems runny.
Spoon taco meat mixture into shells and place in 9" x 13" baking dish, or use a taco rack.
Sprinkle cheese over the top of taco meat in each shell.
Bake in 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and taco is heated through.
Top with lettuce, tomato, an any other toppings you like.
Decorate with red, green, and white crepe paper, and put on some traditional Ranchera or Mariachi music! Happy Battle of Puebla Day!
