Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Each year our family makes a

point of celebrating

Cinco de Mayo,

despite the fact that we

are not of Mexican descent.

I read an interesting article in

this morning's paper and

it explained that we actually

celebrate this holiday here in the U.S.

more so than in Mexico.

This date is celebrated in and

around Mexico City to

commemerate Mexico's

unexpected victory over the

French in 1862, but it is not a

 national holiday there.

Mexico's Independence Day

actually occurred on September 16, 1810.

So why do you suppose we embrace

this holiday here?

I think it is because as a multicultural

nation we love to recognize

this great melting pot that we are.

I am not Irish but I celebrate

Saint Patrick's Day

each year with a meal of corned beef and cabbage.

Columbus Day is a national

holiday honoring not only the

discovery of America but

our Italian American citizens.

So today my family will sit around

the table and enjoy some fine

Mexican Cuisine.

We will enjoy some black bean salsa

 along with some quesadillas.

How about some enchiladas, refried beans and rice?

Sizzling Fajitas anyone?

Some chunky guacamole, full of omega three fats,

nachos

tacos

and some fresh pico de gallo!

My mouth is watering already.

An ice cold Corona

or a frosty margarita will round out the meal nicely!

The fresh produce and colorful

foods make a lovely presentation

to your table.

How can we not celebrate

a culture with such a colorful palette.

It is visible not only in their

cuisine but in their

 art,

their pottery

and even their fabrics.

Now while I may not have my very own

mariachi band

I think I'll find some lively

Mexican music to play this evening

during dinner.

How will you celebrate today?