Cinco de Mayo, Baby!

 
 
 
Of course, any Mexican-themed party needs great snacks and appetizers. Especially with all those drinks going around. I don’t know about you, but give me some chips and salsa or guacamole, and I’m good to go. Show me to a corner, give me some extra napkins, and if you want me to love you even more, tell me I don’t have to share with anyone.

 
 
 
Lots of folks already have a favorite salsa or guacamole recipe, so I started looking for other kinds of appetizers. Like ceviches, hot dips, nachos, or (get ready for this) fried avocado strips. (You heard me.) Speaking of dips, if you have a little bit of extra time, why not go the extra mile and bake your own tortilla chips? Fresh hot out of the oven, home baked tastes so good you can enjoy them plain. Which helps, especially when someone is in a corner hogging all the salsa and guacamole.

 
 
 
When I saw the homemade chips, it got me thinking. Sometimes, we just don’t have time to make everything from scratch. Sometimes, we just have to pick our battles. So if you’re pressed for time or don’t have the inclination to (because the laundry is piling up and where is my right shoe? and good grief, the mailbox just fell), remember that it often takes just one or two really good homemade components to put your own stamp on the entire menu. It can be something as simple as your own blend of taco seasoning (there are two below, including one that doesn’t call for chili powder), a special hot sauce blend, or your own enchilada sauce (goodbye, canned sauce!). You’ll be amazed at what a batch of homemade flour tortillas (if you want to make them with bacon fat, more power to you), or crispy baked taco shells can do to elevate your party’s street cred.

 
 
 
You know what else homemade tortilla chips are good for? Chicken tortilla soup. Actually, any other soup for that matter. But most especially Mexican-inspired soups. (Want to know what else tortilla chips are good for? I like to crunch them up and use them as croutons in my salad, too. But that’s another story for another roundup.)

 
 
 
Now we’re coming to the meat of the party. (Look, I made a pun!) I may not know much about Tex-Mex food, but I do know tacos are a big part of it. And boy, do you guys know tacos. I found so many, I had to separate them into two categories. First up, meat tacos. Beef, chicken, venison—I name it, you’ve made it.

 
 
 
But what surprised me is that, as classic as beef (or chicken) tacos are, you, my friends, have submitted more taco recipes featuring seafood instead of meat. Who knew! Not that I’m complaining, mind you. There are few things I love more than a good spicy fish taco. Though the beer-battered shrimp taco below just might make me change my mind.

 
 
 
Tacos are, of course, not the only choice for your Cinco de Mayo main course offering. There are chile rellenos, carnitas, tamale pies, and even pasta done up Mexican style. Chicken enchilada spaghetti? Oh, most definitely yes, please. Most definitely.

 
 
 
Now I know most of these dishes are served with flour tortillas, but all you gluten-free folks need not worry. You can try making gluten-free flour tortillas, or get hold of masa harina (masa harina is typically gluten-free, but may be processed in a plant that also processes wheat, so make sure you check first!) and make your own corn tortillas. Or skip the tortillas altogether and make them in foil packets! Dairy-free? Check out the Mexican chocolate ice cream below. Vegatarian? Not to worry. You’re well-covered, too.

 
 
 
And of course, no party would be complete without something sweet. Take your pick below. You can also just take your favorite chocolate recipe and add some chili pepper or cinnamon to add a Mexican flair to it. Or whip up some dessert tacos! You can also make a large batch of Mexican hot chocolate roasted pecans for people to snack on, or package them up as great little party favors. How cute would that be?

 
 
 
Whew. I almost thought we wouldn’t make it all the way through! Believe me, as large as this roundup is, the list I started with was much larger. Which shows just how much you all love this kind of food. And who can blame you? Peppers, corn, beans, cheese, tomatoes, chili, sour cream, spicy chocolate … all good. All goooood.

So tell us what you have on tap for this weekend! Here’s a hot tip: You might want to plan to have tortillas, refried beans, and cheese left over. Then head back here on Monday for a new step-by-step guest post that’ll put all that leftover goodness to use. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Party on, friends!