Whisk Witchery

This week we are going south of the border;, in honor of the upcoming celebration of Cinco de Mayo, with some tasty Mexican-inspired dishes. Contrary to popular belief, May 5 is not Mexican Independence Day. Actually, Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration to commemorate The Battle of Puebla, which took place on the morning of May 5, 1862. This early victory was accomplished by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín and his small rag-tag army who defeated invading French forces during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). Ironically, this holiday has gained a wider popularity with Chicanos (Mexican-Americans) in the United States than it enjoys in Mexico, with the exception of the region of Puebla. Festivals in honor of this holiday typically include plenty of food and drinks, as well as music, dance, and Mexican culture. So, get to cooking and start your own Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Quickie Quesadillas

Servings: 4

• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 3 tablespoons green sauce or hot sauce
• 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
• 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Combine refried beans and green sauce or hot sauce in a bowl and mix well. Spread bean mixture over 4 of the tortillas and sprinkle with bell pepper, cilantro, and cheese. Cover these with remaining tortillas. Spray a skillet with non-stick baking spray, cook tortillas over medium heat for about 3 minutes on each side or until cheese melts and the tortillas are golden around edges. To serve, cut each quesadilla into quarters and enjoy.

Walking Tacos

Servings: 8

• 2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• Taco toppings (this part is up to you and your personal tastes, but below are a few ideas!)
• Shredded cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Sour Cream
• Tomatoes
• Refried beans
• Salsa
• Jalapenos

Brown the ground beef in pan, and add taco seasoning according to package directions. Drain off any excess grease. Combine chips, meat, and toppings of your choice in a bowl, and enjoy! If you really want to make this meal portable with no dishes to clean, just pile the meat and your favorite toppings into an individual bag of Doritos and take them for a walk.