Cinco de Mayo is coming up and the National Pork Board wants to help you spice things up for the Latin holiday…
A recent survey of more than 1,000 chefs across the country reveals: Latin American cuisine is one of the “hottest” ethnic cuisines in 2008. Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that historically celebrates the defeat of the French army by the Mexicans at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, has fast become one of America’s most popular occasions for general celebration and entertaining.
The National Pork Board has teamed up with entertaining experts and co-authors of Latin Chic: Entertaining with Style and Sass, Carolina Buia and Isabel Gonzalez, to offer tips for Cinco de Mayo cooking and entertaining.
“Requiring little preparation, pork is the ideal menu choice for Latin cuisine because the wide arrays of cuts are versatile enough to pair with nearly every flavor,” said Buia. “For example, pork chops or tenderloins can be paired with pre-made fruit or vegetable-based salsas and spice rubs with Caribbean and Latin themes.” Pork’s role in New World cuisine dates back to 1539, when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed in Tampa Bay, Fla. with America’s first 13 pigs, beginning a flavorful tradition that we continue to enjoy today.
Delicioso Edible Essentials
Buia and Gonzalez created two recipes that incorporate the spirited flavor of Mexican street-food fare and require less than 45 minutes in the kitchen:
— Velveted Pork Tacos — a unique and fun alternative to traditional
chicken or beef tacos; the self-serve style of this dish makes it the
perfect choice for feeding the family or a large crowd!
— Pork Medallions with Mirasol and Cherry Cream Sauce — not only do the
moist pork tenderloin medallions meld the piquant bite of Peruvian
Mirasol peppers with the candied hint of dried cherries, but pork
tenderloin is the leanest cut of pork with only 2.98 grams of fat per
3-ounce serving, making it as lean as a skinless chicken breast.
Serve these delicious pork dishes with grilled corn on the cob with chipotle butter or black beans garnished with cilantro.
Fixings for a Fabulous Fiesta
In addition to eating with zing, set the mood for your Latin-infused dinner by creating a fun atmosphere with these do-it-yourself decor tips from Buia and Gonzalez.
— Charming Centerpieces — For a truly special table presentation, place
several de-stemmed Hibiscus flowers in large, shallow bowls filled with
water. Hibiscus flowers are everywhere in Mexico and are often found
growing in front and back yards.
— Enjoyable Ambiance — Play some regional music and decorate with
festive lights to create the perfect Latin setting.
— Tricks and Treats — Close the night with a pinata for a truly
memorable fiesta, for adults and kids alike!