Brunching, Cinco de Mayo Style

I love Mexican food. And by "love," I mean I could maybe-kinda-sorta eat it every day. Obviously the culture brings much richer heritage than food, but I was once a fat kid, and I'll always be a fat kid - meaning, everything is about food.

In the past, I've shared some South-of-the-Border-themed ideas with you. Who could forget White Trash Sangria, or perhaps my Pineapple Salsa? Well, if you look at the calendar, Cinco de Mayo is upon us...ole!

Here's a picture from San Antonio's Fiesta, an
annual spring festival that lasts for 10 days.
I saw it first hand...and those Texans know how to FIESTA.

Because the holiday is on a Sunday this year, that got me thinking a fiesta-inspired brunch would be the way to go. When you're gathering the gang for a boozy Mexican breakfast, here are a few inspirations.

BLOODY MARY SALSA    Inspiration courtesy of Food Network Magazine
A Bloody Mary is required for Sunday brunch - so why not take it in another direction? Mix 1 pound of chopped tomatoes, 1 cup of diced celery (leaves included), 1 chopped & seeded jalapeno, 2 tablespoons of horseradish, 3 chopped scallions, the juice of 1 lime, 1 ounce of vodka (take a swig from the bottle for good measure) and a dash of hot sauce plus a dash of Worcestershire sauce, if desired.

Serve with scrambled eggs, fried eggs and flour tortillas or with tortilla chips. 

BEERITAS
My friend Sherry calls these Killer Bee-ritas because WHEW - they've got a sting that will sneak up on you! Go gentle on these tasty little sippers. 

Pour 1 - 12 oz can of frozen limeade concentrate into a pitcher and keep the can. Next, fill the empty can with tequila and dump into the pitcher. Add 2 Corona Lights and then between one-half and one full can of 7Up or Sprite (depending how sweet you want the cocktail to be). Toss in some fresh lime juice or lime slices, if desired. Then, hide your car keys.

After a few beeritas, you're bound
to have a religious experience.

AMBIANCE
It doesn't take much to bring about fiesta flair. Start with a bowl of oranges and limes. Finish off the table with those religious icon candles found in the Hispanic section of nearly every grocery market in the United States. Candles covered in saints? Your Cinco de Mayo Sunday will surely be blessed.

Viva! Cinco de Mayo, amigos!