Three Tips for a Budget-Friendly Cinco de Mayo

Like many holidays, Cinco de Mayo celebrations center around food and fun!

Cinco de Mayo should not to be mistaken for Mexico’s independence day, which is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, a victory for the Mexican army, which was an embarrassment to French troops. Even though France ultimately won enough conflicts to occupy Mexico until 1867, the victory at Puebla is remembered as an example of the spirit of Mexico citizens. Thus, Cinco de Mayo, allows millions of people to celebrate Mexico history.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations can be a fun way for all to learn about Mexico history and have a fun celebration with friends and family. Follow these tips to create a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration:

• The food: No celebration is complete without a lovely spread of holiday themed food. Usually around specific holidays you can count on popular seasonal food to be on sale at the grocery store. Some great options to serve at your Cinco de Mayo dinner are tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, chips and salsa, quesadillas, burritos, Spanish rice or nachos. And to finish off your delicious meal try sopaipillas, tres leches cake, or churros for dessert!
• The drinks: For any party or gathering, choose just one or two drinks to serve to keep costs down. For Cinco de Mayo, try a Mexican beer or margaritas.
• The décor and party activities: Decorate with bright colors and patterns, chili peppers and sombreros. Print off copies of the Mexican flag and have the kids color them appropriately and use them as placemats or hang on the wall. You can also decorate with piñatas and allow children to take turns breaking it open while Mexican themed music plays in the background.

These Southwestern Chicken Tacos are an easy and affordable dinner and a perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or to enjoy any night of the week!

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Chef Heather attended and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, but has been developing family friendly meals since she was nine years old in her mother’s kitchen. She is an avid crockpotter and knows how to get food on the table in a pinch. She currently serves as a writer and recipe developer for meal planning site www.foodonthetable.com