May 5 has become a universal day to celebrate Mexican food and drink, no matter what your heritage. Get customers into the Cinco de Mayo spirit with these five recipes.
If your Cinco de Mayo spread wouldn’t be complete without homemade tamales, try this authentic yet easy-to-execute recipe. It was developed in the kitchens of Michigan State University, and MSU executive chef Jason Strotheide modified it for production to use at events. This plated presentation is designed for a sit-down meal, but the tamales work equally well on a buffet.
This riff on an agua fresca makes for a refreshing drink to pair with Mexican food. Serve it as a mocktail or add a jigger of tequila, gin or vodka as they do at Tankard & Tun in Seattle. The watermelon cocktail is a welcome alternative to the usual margarita.
Street tacos are the kind of shareable food celebrants are looking for on Cinco de Mayo. Chef Justin Brown sets these tacos apart with a topping of pickled red onions. No complicated canning equipment is necessary—the onions are pickled in the refrigerator and can be stored for up to two weeks.
Dave & Busters offers this interactive dessert for fans of Mexican sweets. The base of the DIY dessert is a combo of chocolate- and caramel-filled warm churros coated in cinnamon sugar. Brown sugar cinnamon ice cream and an assortment of toppings, including cookie crumbles, crushed candies and chocolate and raspberry sauces are served on the side. Guests then build their own sundaes from the assorted ingredients.
Gracias Madre serves a plant-based, meatless menu inspired by the kitchens of Mexico. The restaurant has an extensive nonalcoholic drinks list, which includes fresh-pressed juices, kombuchas, housemade sodas and horchatas. This signature horchata starts by soaking almonds and dates, then blending them with flavorings until liquefied and smooth.
School-based therapy company, ProCare Therapy, ranked which states have the healthiest school meals based on five different factors, including NSLP participation and participation in farm-to-school.
More is more with these sporty menu items, from the LA Cheesesteak Dog to the Milwaukee Brat Burger to Steak Elote Empanadas to Stuffed Concha Bread and Smoked Meat Rings.