Cinco de Mayo - Frugal and Fun!

**Luckybustert** · 05-03-2010, 09:44 AM

Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It's celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. Often people confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexico's Independence Day, but that's actually on September 16.

Corn and beans are staples of Mexican food, making it a particularly good choice for the frugal cook. Rice is also a commonly used grain, and commonly used spices and seasonings include chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, cinnamon, cocoa, chipotle, garlic and onions.

In the U.S., many celebrate Cinco de Mayo by enjoying tasty Mexican food, possibly with a margarita or two. Do you have a favorite recipe for a Mexican dish that is perfect for this celebration? Please share!

**Grainlady** · 05-03-2010, 08:31 PM

I was thinking about making Fiesta Taco Casserole (1/2 a recipe):
Fiesta Taco Casserole Recipe from Betty Crocker

I've never made this recipe before, but I've had it marked since I purchased the Betty Crocker - Easy Mexican Cooking cook booklet in 1997.... (What, me hurry?) I'll make it if the weather is mild, but if it's hot, it might be a plain old taco salad. I'll make the baked shells with homemade whole wheat tortillas and we have fresh leaf lettuce coming out of our ears.

**Libby** · 05-03-2010, 09:44 PM

Cant wait to see the recipes

**Darlene** · 05-04-2010, 10:39 AM

That looks good Grainlady. I'll probably make my Taco Twist casserole posted in the community recipes here.

**Mom2-3** · 05-04-2010, 11:49 AM

We are having a nacho bar with the fixings.

Mock margaritas for the kiddos

**Luckybustert** · 05-07-2010, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by Grainlady

I was thinking about making Fiesta Taco Casserole (1/2 a recipe):
Fiesta Taco Casserole Recipe from Betty Crocker

I've never made this recipe before, but I've had it marked since I purchased the Betty Crocker - Easy Mexican Cooking cook booklet in 1997.... (What, me hurry?) I'll make it if the weather is mild, but if it's hot, it might be a plain old taco salad. I'll make the baked shells with homemade whole wheat tortillas and we have fresh leaf lettuce coming out of our ears.

That recipe looks really good -thanks for sharing it! I'm sure my hubby will like seeing this on the menu

**Luckybustert** · 05-07-2010, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Darlene

That looks good Grainlady. I'll probably make my Taco Twist casserole posted in the community recipes here.

YUMMY! That recipe looks very tasty and ~BONUS~ very quick and easy! Thanks for pointing it out, definitely looks like a keeper

**Luckybustert** · 05-07-2010, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by Mom2-3

We are having a nacho bar with the fixings.

Mock margaritas for the kiddos

Love the mock margaritas idea! How do you make them?

**McD** · 05-07-2010, 09:09 AM

I went to a friend's house and we had nachos and real maragaritas. Delish.

The nachos were very simple--taco meat, fiesta nacho soup, black beans and toppings.