Five Must Have Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

Don't you love it when Cinco de Mayo falls on the weekend? That way you'll have plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the fun as well as the robust flavors of all the yummy foods. Are you looking for some food suggestions?

Here are five of my favorite dishes to make at home anytime, but especially to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Plan Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration with These Five Recipes

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Slammin' Guacamole

OK, I know guacamole is not technically a dish, but I can't imagine a Cinco de Mayo spread without a large bowl of tasty guacamole. This is my favorite guacamole recipe, but I encourage you to make this one your own with a little bit of this and that.

Add a bit more jalapeno pepper to kick up the heat index. Add a little more, or less, chopped tomato, or substitute parsley for the cilantro. I happen to love the cilantro, but I know there are many of you who don't. Leftover guacamole is a wonderful sandwich spread...just sayin'.

Don't forget to get your party started with some inexpensive party decorations like these festive garlands and colorful cocktail napkins. They are a downright cheap way to add some fun!

Click the links below to be taken to the step-by-step recipes for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Slammin' Guacamole

A Classic Margarita

We like margaritas twelve months of the year, so of course, I have to include this classic cocktail here.

Make your own simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Let the simple syrup cool and then add tequila, lime juice, and Grand Marnier or Triple Sec. With salt or without, your choice! We like to use these glass pitchers to make up a large batch in advance. That way the party is ready to go and you can enjoy the fun without playing bartender.

A Classic Margarita

Southwest Chicken with Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

This barbecued chicken recipe doesn't require a grill. You can make this smoky-flavored chicken from start to finish in your kitchen with either a whole chicken or the chicken parts of your choice.

The two keys to success in this dish are the Southwest Spice Mix and the Chipotle Barbecue Sauce. Once you make them you'll always want to have them on hand to add a little zip to your life.

Southwest Shrimp with Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad

Southwest Shrimp with Corn and Black Bean Salad

Shrimp is always on hand in my freezer. This recipe is one of the reasons why. Come to think of it, these shrimp would be terrific as a taco filling as well.

Cumin Grilled Steak with Chili Lime Butter

Cumin Grilled Steak

Last, but not least, is a delicious way to kick up the flavor of a grilled rib eye or NY strip steak. Both are wonderful cuts of beef for grilling, but on Cinco de Mayo you deserve to punch it up and welcome the party to your mouth. The chili lime butter keeps well in your freezer, so if you make some this weekend you'll have plenty on hand for the grilling season.

Of course, I have created a Cinco de Mayo Pinterest Board with other ideas for your Cinco de Mayo party. Follow me on Pinterest and you'll never be at a loss for great ideas, no matter what occasion.

Before you go.....Never miss a Just One Donna post by signing up to receive posts in your email or your favorite RSS feed. Links are in the sidebar.

Enjoy!

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