How To Create a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Home

Generally I avoid all Mexican restaurants on May 5th, just like I avoid all Irish pubs on March 17th. The crowds are just too much for me. However, I don’t like to let a holiday featuring good food and celebrating fine neighbors pass me by. If you’re like me and want to celebrate but avoid the crowds, then we have a few tools you can use for party prep.We just added a wonderful new line of salsas to our pantry goods that I think you will really enjoy. My favorite is the Demon Salsa and Kathy loves the Peach Salsa, but the Fire-Roasted Cantina and Habanero salsas are equally delicious. Adding to the list of fiery goodness are pickled jalapenos and jalapeno mustard that I like to just put on crackers it’s so good. All of these are wonderful accompaniments to whatever dinner party you throw. If you’d like to try them before buying, we will be tasting them at Red Barn Mercantile on Cinco de Mayo!If you’re in need of a good recipe to cook, then we have a nice selection of cookbooks from which you can choose. Starting with my new go-to books – Tacolicious and Buenos Nachos. Tacolicious serves up recipes for all kinds of taco goodness. From breakfast tacos to a dinner menu for 12, from cocktails to snacks, this book has you covered. Buenos Nachos is a tribute to the all mighty nacho. With more than 75 recipes from food icons and movie and music celebrities, this book is a must-have if you’re as big a fan of nachos as I am. And, trust me, I’m a FAN!What party would be complete without spirits? It seems most holiday traditions involve something a little saucy – eggnog for Christmas, champagne for New Year's, beer for St. Patrick’s Day, you get the idea. With Cinco de Mayo you have your choice. Some say tequila shots, some say margaritas, and I would argue sangria. Whichever way you roll, we have that thing you need.For our tequila lovers, we have the perfect set of shot glasses and a deck of cards with all the tequila facts and a few recipes to make you the expert at any party. Mezcal is having its heyday and this book will have you crafting cocktails with the artisanal spirit like a boss.And for my fellow sangria lovers, you must have this pitcher. The wide mouth allows for all the delicious fruit to be poured effortlessly into these beautiful bubble glasses -- both of which are made in Mexico!Wherever you celebrate this Cinco de Mayo, please raise a glass to our neighbors to the south for infusing our country with so much color, life, and spirit.  We are tremendously grateful. Salud!