| There are three great days in the month of May | | | | ----- |
| that I would like to talk about...Cinco de Mayo, | | | | Mother's Day - May 8, 2005 - In the United |
| Mother's Day, and Memorial Day. I will share a | | | | States, about 150 years ago a Homemaker |
| brief history and include a couple of delectable | | | | named Anna Jarvis wanted to bring attention to |
| recipes. Happy | | | | the impoverished health conditions in her region. |
| ---Cinco de Mayo - May 5, 2005 - Cinco de Mayo | | | | She decided to organize a special day to help her |
| means "The 5th of May." Many people believe | | | | cause. She called it "Mothers Work Day." When |
| that it is Mexico's Independence Day. This is not | | | | she died in 1905 her daughter began to Lobby to |
| true. Independence Day in Mexico is September | | | | create a special day to honor Mothers. Finally, in |
| 16. The history of Cinco de Mayo dates back to | | | | 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a bill declaring |
| the mid 1800's. Mexico was in substantial debt | | | | Mother's Day a national holiday. Unfortunately, she |
| with France, Spain, and England. France decided to | | | | never wanted it to become a commercialized |
| use this to their advantage and invade Mexico. | | | | money maker. She even tried to get the holiday |
| The first invasion attempt was on May 5, 1862. It | | | | canceled! I have decided not to include any recipes |
| is known as The Battle of Pueblain. The Mexican | | | | because Mom should NOT cook on her special |
| army was out numbered and out matched, yet, | | | | day! She should be taken out to a nice quiet |
| they defeated the French army and kept control | | | | dinner. Trust me on this |
| of their country. Unfortunately, they lost a battle | | | | --Memorial Day - US - May 30, 2005 - Memorial |
| that took place about a year later and the French | | | | Day is a day that the United States remembers |
| gained control from 1864 - 1867. Although Mexico | | | | the soldiers who lost their lives so they can live in |
| lost out to the French in the end...they still | | | | a free country. It was first observed on May 30, |
| celebrate the bravery shown at the first battle. I | | | | 1868. However, in the beginning, not all states |
| have included two delicious recipes to fit any | | | | celebrated this holiday. It did not become nationally |
| Mexican celebration.Make 'em Smile | | | | recognized and accepted until 1971. Unfortunately, |
| Guacamole(read entire recipe before starting)1 | | | | today, the true purpose of this special day has |
| very small onion, finely chopped | | | | been lost in cook outs, beer drinking, and a day |
| 1 medium-large tomato, cored and very finely | | | | off from work. Don't get me wrong...all that is |
| chopped | | | | great...BUT, Let's not forget the cost of our |
| 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and very finely chopped | | | | freedom.BBQ Burgers1-1/2 pound ground sirloin |
| | | | 1 medium onion, finely chopped |
| 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped | | | | 1 bottle of favorite BBQ sauce |
| 3 ripe, medium avocados, peeled, seeded, roughly | | | | 2 tsp brown sugar |
| mashed | | | | 1 Tblsp mustard |
| 1/4 cup of finely chopped leaf lettuce | | | | 1 Tblsp grill/steak seasoning |
| 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) | | | | 8 hamburger buns |
| pepper to taste | | | | Favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, |
| Juice of one small limeIn a medium bowl, mix the | | | | etc.)Combine all ingredients thoroughly and shape |
| onion, tomato, garlic and cilantro. About 1/2 hour | | | | into 8 burgers. Grill or fry to desired |
| before serving, add avocado with the rest of the | | | | doneness.PICNIC POTATO SALAD7 medium-size |
| ingredients. Your goal is to create a thick mass of | | | | baking potatoes |
| yum. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to let the | | | | 1 cup mayonnaise |
| flavors blend. Serve with your favorite tortilla | | | | 1 Tblsp mustard |
| chips or Mexican dish.Pinto Beans4 cups water | | | | 1 teaspoon salt |
| 2 cups dried pinto beans | | | | 2 celery ribs, sliced |
| 1 medium onion, chopped | | | | 2 Tblsp onions, finely chopped |
| 1/4 cup olive oil | | | | 1 Tblsp fresh parsley, chopped |
| 2 cloves garlic | | | | Pepper to tasteGarnish: 3 hard-boiled eggs, |
| 2 thick slices of bacon | | | | peeled and chopped (if desired)Cook potatoes in |
| 1 teaspoon cuminMix water, beans and onion in | | | | boiling water until tender; drain and cool. Peel and |
| 4-quart Dutch oven. Cover and heat to boiling; boil | | | | slice. |
| about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 1 | | | | Combine all ingredients except potato, mix. Add |
| hour. Add just enough water to cover beans. Stir | | | | potatoes and stir gently until well combined. |
| in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce | | | | Garnish with hard-boiled eggs, if desired. Chill 2-3 |
| heat. Cover and boil gently, stirring occasionally, | | | | hours...or serve |
| until beans are very tender, approximately 2 | | | | -----Well, I hope you have enjoyed our |
| hours. (Add water during cooking if necessary.) | | | | journey...Happy Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and |
| Drain, cover, and refrigerate beans. Use within one | | | | Memorial Day!!! |