Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo-just that thought makes me crave Mexican food. Of course, it doesn’t take much for me to crave Mexican food-it’s one of my favorites. In my younger days, I used to make my Cinco plans way in advance with careful contemplation of-who was going to have the cheapest margarita prices, the best food specials, and the hippest bands. The destination also had to be where I could get in early to hold a table for all my friends. I guess I wised up or just got older to realize the best place to celebrate Cinco De Mayo is home-no crowds. I either make a batch of margaritas or have a few Mexican beers with lime. My biggest decision to make for Cinco nowadays is what to cook. But one thing is for sure, I always have my Mexican Fiesta or Cantina Mariachi CD’s playing. Got to set the party mood!

Here is a recap of a few of my creations to help satisfy any Mexican food cravings.

Just click on the picture of your craving for the recipe:

Want to jump-start the day?

Hearty Southwest Egg and Leftover Rice Breakfast Tostada
Egg & Rice Breakfast Tostada

or make a Frittata Tostada:

Use the last 1/4 cup of your favorite dip like (Spinach & Artichoke dip) to make a Frittata Tostada. Whisk 1 egg and 1 TBSP cream cheese into dip. Spray 1 side of a 8-inch tortilla with non-stick spray or olive oil. Press that side down into a 8-inch skillet over medium low heat. Pour egg mixture evenly over tortilla. Cover. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with grated cheese, if desired.

Frittata Tostada
Frittata Tostada

Need a quick appetizer?

Make a quick & easy corn relish with 3/4 cup leftover corn. In a small saucepan, add 1/4 cup chili sauce, 1/4 tsp each onion & garlic powder, & 1/2 Tbsp butter (or jalapeno juice, I like to add jalapenos, too). Cover. Simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before serving.  Serve with chips for a quick dip! Any leftovers? Stuff in an avocado, use in tacos, quesadillas, omelettes, veggie burgers, salads, or as a topping for fish, chicken, crab cakes.

Spicy Corn Relish

Make stuffed jalapeno peppers with leftover cheese grits. Slice jalapeno in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds & membranes under cool running water. Fill halves with cold grits. Broil until golden brown.

Leftover Cheese Grits Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

leftover red beans? Make a quick bean dip! Mash & add a can of drained black beans. Heat. Add cheese or queso for bean & cheese dip.

Leftover Red Bean Dip
Leftover Red Bean Dip

 

In the mood for tacos?

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Shrimp Tacos
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Shrimp Tacos

 

Tortilla Soup Pulled Chicken Tacos
Tortilla Soup Pulled Chicken Tacos

 

California Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos
California Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos

In the mood for enchiladas?

Crawfish Etouffee Enchiladas
Crawfish Etouffee Enchiladas

 

Enchilada Meatballs
Enchilada Meatballs

In the mood for tamales or taquitos?

BBQ Pork Cornmeal Tamales
BBQ Pork Cornmeal Tamales
Stuffed Bell Pepper Taquitos
Stuffed Bell Pepper Taquitos

In the mood for chiles rellenos?

Baked Ham & Cheese Chiles Rellenos
Baked Ham & Cheese Chiles Rellenos

 

In the mood for a salad?

No Beef Taco Salad
No Beef Taco Salad

Remember to put your TO COOK IS TO CREATE thinking cap on! Didn’t see anything that tempted your taste buds? You can still put your spin on any of your favorite Mexican dishes with leftovers and homemade Taco Seasoning or Enchilada Sauce. Use leftovers as a filling for an easy quesadilla or as a quick topping for nachos.

If you do decide to join the crowds, don’t forget to ask for a to-go container for the leftover chips and salsa. Use the leftover chips and salsa to make a spicy fried cheese snack!

Leftover Chips and Salsa Fried Cheese
Leftover Chips and Salsa Fried Cheese Bites

Simply process chips until crumbs. Cube favorite cheese-pepperjack, habanero cheddar, good choices. Set up breading station: flour with 1/4tsp paprika, egg wash, tortilla crumbs with 1/2 tsp chili powder. Use toothpick to hold cheese. Double dip flour & egg then into crumbs. Put in freezer at least 1/2 hour. Keep toothpicks in cheese. Deep fry 1 minute. Enjoy with salsa!

 

Food Fun: It is always fun to have a celebration. Play some Mexican music, put on a sombrero, and dance. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

 

Craving Mexican Food?
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One thought on “Craving Mexican Food?

  • May 4, 2017 at 6:43 pm
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    Count me in….I will be there for your Fiesta! Yum,yum,yum….👅 All delicious dishes. Difficult to choose just one. I too love Mexican foods. Thanks for all of the great recipes placed at my fingertips. 🍽

    Reply

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