FOR 8 GUESTS
Music, dancing, colorful decorations, and festive food are all part of Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May), the Mexican holiday that commemorates the country’s victory over a French army twice its size at the famous Battle of Puebla on that day in 1862. Today it is a spirited occasion that is fun to celebrate with a fabulous Mexican meal and a big group of friends.
Creamy avocado, sweet and spicy peppers, crunchy jícama, mango, and cilantro are just some of the popular Mexican ingredients you’ll use to create a refreshing homemade salsa, two sumptuous salads, tasty chicken tacos, and more. Your guests will want to use the salsa and dip as toppings for the tacos, too.
For table decor, go for bright color; a Mexican blanket or a pretty woven runner makes a great tablecloth. Look for maracas, crepe-paper flowers, piñatas, and sombreros at party supply shops. Be sure to play some south-of-the-border music and push back the furniture to make room for a lively Mexican hat dance!
Endive Spears with Fresh Pepper Salsa
Grilled Shrimp with Chipotle Dip
Holiday Game Plan
Up to 1 month ahead: Make and freeze rice.
Up to 1 day before: Thaw rice; make dip for shrimp; make dressing for guacamole salad; prepare vegetables for jícama salad; cook chicken and peppers for tacos; make beans; cube mangos for fools.
Day of: Make salsa; marinate shrimp; finish tacos and rice; assemble salads and endive spears with salsa; make fools; grill shrimp.