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What's for Dinner?
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
By Allison Huller McAlister
May 5 is Cinco de Mayo, a holiday commemorating the defeat of the French Army by the Mexicans at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. Though this occasion is most vigorously celebrated in the state of Puebla in Mexico, the holiday has become increasingly popular in the United States as well. Here the holiday has become a celebration of Mexican culture, including food, beverage and music unique to Mexico. In honor of this special day, why not cook up a delicious Mexican meal for your family?
The following menu features Mexican dishes that my family really enjoys. Although we have several favorite main dishes when it comes to Mexican, the Shredded Beef Chalupas are a huge hit in this household. Two of our preferred side dishes that complement any southwestern dish quite well are Red Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro and Ortega-Style Green Beans. To top it all off, treat your family to a homemade dessert of Mexican Cinnamon Brownies. After partaking of this meal, they'll be wishing Cinco de Mayo occurred more than once a year!
Of course, if your family is anything like mine, Mexican meals are served with great frequency. We don't need a special holiday to celebrate the flavors of Mexico! Any day is a good day for this meal.
Shredded Beef Chalupas
Do you remember when Taco Bell added chalupas to their menu? The usual taco fillings were placed in a fried tortilla; it doesn't get much better than that. With my first taste, the chalupa became my Taco Bell favorite. Imagine my delight when I found this recipe for chalupas in the June 2001 issue of Pillsbury Classic Cookbooks. Now I make chalupas in the comfort of my own home!
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