Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Recipes Included)

Appetizers are always a hit at any party. Many people only serve appetizers and there are many that will make your party a hit. For a Cinco de Mayo celebration why not try a variety of dips? Use sour cream, guacamole, salsa and different types of cheeses to make dips that are out of this world. Include a variety of chips and fresh vegetables and you have the makings of a great appetizer table.

Another great appetizer idea is homemade taquitos. They are simple to make and you can use your imagination when filling them. You will need small soft taco shells, any type of meat that has been cooked and shredded or crumbled, chopped onion, cheese (either Mexican style or use whatever you have on hand and add a drop of liquid smoke or Tabasco sauce for a more spicy flavor) and some salsa.

Mix your ingredients together well. Place one to two teaspoons of the meat mixture into the middle of the tortilla. Tuck in the sides and roll. Spread a little olive oil over the tortilla. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with a non stick cooking spray and place the tortilla rolls on the sheet. Bake 12 minutes or until crispy. Serve with a guacamole or sour cream dip.

For those with a main course meal in mind, there are numerous ideas that will go with a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Hot tamales, enchiladas and quesadillas are always a big hit. Why not try a taco bar where everyone can make their own tacos just the way they like?

If you really want to go all out here’s a recipe that’s simple but sure to please almost anyone’s taste.

Mexican Chicken Leg Quarters

8 chicken leg quarters
1 1/2 C milk
1 C sour cream
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 TBSP chicken bouillon granules
1 TBSP butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken quarters into a large roasting pan with a little olive oil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake the chicken 30 minutes or until crispy. In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Place the milk, sour cream, peppers and bullion in the blender and puree until very smooth. Add to the melted butter in the sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat, add the salt and pepper to taste, and allow to slowly simmer until the chicken is done. When the chicken is ready pour the sauce over the top of the chicken. Return to the oven and continue baking 15 minutes. Remove and serve with Mexican style rice and refried beans.