The first week of May is rather significant in our house. Not only is it likely that the AC comes on almost full time because the outside temperature heats up considerably, there's also a couple of reasons to celebrate on the first weekend of the month.
Cinco de Mayo is on Saturday and keeps company on the calender with the running of the horses at the Kentucky Derby. Both are rather close to our hearts, the former because of our new found love for Mexican food and the culture, and the latter because Big Guy's an instructor in the only program of its kind that prepares students for the opportunity of a career in the business side of horse racing.
If we ever needed an excuse to cook up a storm and have a party, this would be it so here's a couple of ideas for guaranteed good grub.
Taco's, Carnitas and Enchiladas are a great choice, not only because they're economical to make but also because the variations are almost unlimited.
Try some fish tacos, or of course there's the Maui ones we talked about yesterday and if you really want a treat, you could always mix up a mess of crispy pork or duck carnitas too.
There's a bunch of different ways you can make an enchilada too - try one of our favorites made with black beans and sweet potatoes, or of course there's always the chicken version, or make one of this blog's most popular recipes, a chile rellano with tequila shrimp.
How 'bout some braised turkey in a mole sauce, or a big pot of chili, or even a Mexican style pot roast.
Hit the link or see the Index Item Mexican/Tex Mex to your right and you'll see a whole slew of things to munch on. Whatever you decide, you're bound to make a bunch of people break out the mariachi's and dance up a storm.
As for the horse lovers among us, the start of the annual quest for the triple crown is always exciting. Keep your guests happy with a traditional hot brown sandwich or shake it up a knotch and make hot brown chicken burgers like we have here. If you'd rather stick to beef, you can always make these Bluegrass Beercheese Melts with Bourbon Sauce. They're amazing!
Speaking of bourbon, don't forget dessert. How about a bread pudding with bourbon sauce, or exchange the bourbon for rum and make these powerful pina colada cupcakes and call 'em Derby hat's. Speaking of hat's, look at the meringue cap on top of this frozen lemon pie and tell me you wouldn't just love a bite of it right this second?
Whatever you decide, just remember to surround yourself with the people you love and make every day a party.
What fun! And every recipe is a winner!
Posted by: Lea | 05/02/2012 at 10:04 AM
Thanks Lea - we went out for dinner last night with friends and there wasn't one thing cookin' in JBug's Kitchen so I thought I'd just pass along a few ideas. LOL
Posted by: June | 05/02/2012 at 10:08 AM
We love Mexican food too. Thanks for all the great ideas. Interesting subject matter the BG teaches.
Posted by: Lorraine | 05/02/2012 at 11:47 AM
For someone that thought Mexican was all about Taco Bell, this Canadian's certainly had an educating the past 10 years, oh and I forgot to add the link to the U of A Race Track Industry Program, but it is there now.
Posted by: June | 05/02/2012 at 12:01 PM