For many of us, Cinco de Mayo means celebrating Mexican heritage, enjoying the food and probably a few (or more) margaritas. Many of us in the United States don’t even know why it is celebrated. Well, let’s fix that!

Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5th in Spanish, is probably celebrated more here in the USA than it is in Mexico. It celebrates the Mexican victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and is actually different than Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th. You can read more about it here.

Regardless of the reason, it is a great time to bring focus to the amazing culinary creations coming from “South of the Border”, and have an excuse to get together with family and friends. If you are planning a party, we have a few simple recipe ideas and party tips to share with you.

Drinks First! Nothing gets a party started like a fabulous cocktail. Margaritas are an obvious choice. If you want to put a healthy spin your cocktail, check out this Kale Margarita recipe from The Bite Size Pantry.

Then Food! We are all about keeping things simple, so we have some ideas for quick and easy appetizers and a few ideas that will “wow” the guests.

Nachos, bean dip, and guacamole are all great. So how do you make them even better? Go for bite-size options with mini bowl-shaped tortilla cups. These were made for quick and easy appetizers. We have three options for you, but feel free to mix it up and be sure to add some olives, scallions, red peppers, or jalapenos to top them off. These look great on space-saving tiered serving trays.

Veggie: Fill your tortilla cups with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream and shredded cheese (make sure you buy vegetarian refried beans)

Enchilada Inspired: Fill your tortilla cups with shredded chicken that has been soaked in enchilada sauce and shredded cheese

Beef Lovers, Inspired by Carne Asada Nachos: Fill with ground beef that has been sautéed with a little onion, top with taco sauce, sour cream, shredded cheese and garnish with black olives.

If you are looking for something a little less expected, and little healthier, try these eggplant gyros (let’s call them tacos today) or stuffed pepperdew peppers from The Bite Sized Pantry.

What about Dessert? We aren’t above using store-bought Churros in a pinch. Pair them with some delicious dipping sauces, such as chocolate, caramel or homemade coconut, and no one will be complaining!

Coconut Sauce – Just 2 Ingredients!
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk

Pour the milk into a medium sauce pan and cook over medium heat until it turns light brown and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. Be sure to stir continuously. Gradually add the coconut milk and whisk until smooth. You can make this a day ahead of the party and store it in the fridge, just reheat before serving.

Time for some fun! We have our drinks and food covered, now let’s get ready to have some fun. Decorate with bright, assorted colors. Mariachi Hats, paper flowers and banners will add a south-of-the border flair to your décor. And nothing screams PAR-TAY like photo ops! Create an #InstagramMoment, and give your guests something to taco about.

Olé!

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