Ever Ready: Cinco de Mayo

Monday, May 2, 2022

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is a day celebrated in both the U.S. and in Mexico. In the U.S. it originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War and it has since spread. In Mexico, the day commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Celebrations in the U.S.typically include Mexican-American culture, food, music, and dancing. Americans have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo practically since the battle ended in the West. It was largely unknown in most parts of the U.S. until the 1960s when Mexican-American activists started raising its profile. It's become a way to celebrate pride in the community.

St. Paul, Minnesota has made the top 5 best and most visited cities to visit for Cinco de Mayo Festival the past few years. The city includes a neighborhood known as the District del Sol, an area in the Minnesota capital's west side that started attracting Mexican immigrants in the early 20th century. The Latino population now numbers more than 25,000- close to 10% of the city, according to St. Paul Historical and the Cinco de Mayo festival runs for two days.
As of 2016, the Hispanic population in Minnesota is the 28th largest in the nation. About 276,000 Hispanics reside in Minnesota.

REJOICE: Ever Ready is on board to give you a jump start for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration with some favorite Tex-Mex flavored recipes.

Taco Rice Fiesta Bake
Cook's Notes: A winning recipe the whole family will enjoy. It brings together all your favorite Mexican flavors of tacos, and salsa with a side of rice all in one easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for any busy night or a Cinco de Mayo celebration. The dish tastes even better the second night. You may have to add some chicken broth to reheat since rice absorbs the liquid. Prep ingredients ahead for easier assembly. A side of cornbread instead of chips also works well with this dish. A refreshing finish to the meal is an Orange Sorbet and Raspberry Parfait.

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2022/04/easter-recipe-round-up.html

Taco Rice Fiesta Bake is adapted from parade.com and serves 6.
Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef or ground Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup each red, yellow, orange sweet mini peppers and diced onions
1/2 cup of your favorite chunky salsa
2 tablespoons dry taco seasoning mixture
1 small can Steamfresh Mexicorn
1/2 can of black beans rinsed and drained
1 4 oz. can diced green chiles, drained and patted dry on a paper towel
1-1/4 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked or brown rice
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 can (14 oz.) Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Basil and Oregano
2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese, divided
Tostitos Chips

Directions:

Grease a glass 9 x 9 dish or a 3 qt baking dish and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large skillet brown meat, crumble, and drain grease from the pan. Set meat aside.
Wipe skillet clean, add olive oil and saute onions and peppers until soft.
Return meat to skillet and add in the rest of the ingredients except cheese. Mix well and then add in 1 cup of cheese.
Pour meat mixture into baking dish and cover with foil. Bake 45-50 minutes or until rice is cooked.
Uncover, add the rest of the for cheese, and bake 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
To serve to crumble Tostitos chips in each bowl. Top with the Fiesta Taco mixture.