Compliments of Wikipedia!

Cinco de Mayo is often thought to be Mexican Independence Day, but is really the celebration of victory of the Mexican militia over the French at the Battle of Pueblo in 1862. Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily a regional holiday in the state and city of Pueblo, but became widely celebrated in the United States thanks to enthusiasts near the US-Mexican border, and now several cities in the US have parades and festivals each year. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture, music, and customs — and a great excuse to enjoy the company of good friends, good food, margaritas, and of course Bigelow Tea.

So, how about some tea with your Mexican fiesta? It doesn’t have to be the Mexican tea Epazote. Many consider Epazote an acquired taste and aroma, saying it smells like gasoline or kerosene. Talk about spicy! Perhaps something less flammable for your celebration, like tried and true recipes compliments of Bigelow Tea or Té Bigelow (en español)!

For appetizers or lunch, there’s the Grilled Vegetarian Mushroom Quesadillas. Of course, it would not be a Cinco de Mayo celebration without margaritas! With or without alcohol, serve up the Ultimate Pomegranate Margarita and Virgin Pomegranate Margarita with those vegetarian quesadillas, and you have what sounds like a healthy fiesta! Looking for an alternative to margaritas? There’s always the Mellow Limoncello Sparkler, sure to be popular with sparkling wine lovers!

Mexican or not, Cinco de Mayo is a good reason to grab a sombrero, gather with friends, and raise a glass to freedom and liberty!

Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, is a day to celebrate the heritage and pride of all Americans of Mexican ancestry.  Below are some great recipes to try…

Ultimate Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients:
6 ounces (180mL) boiling water
6 Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz Herbal Juice Tea Bags
1 ounce (30mL) white tequila
1 ounce (30mL) lime juice
1 ounce (30mL) Cointreau
1 teaspoon (mL) sugar
10 ice cubes
1 small pomegranate (seeds used for garnish)

Instructions:
Pour boiling water over Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz Herb Tea bags. Let steep 3-4 minutes. Remove bags and chill.

Place chilled tea in blender with remaining ingredients and ice cubes; blend until mixture turns to slush. Garnished with pomegranate seeds (optional).

Yield: Serves 1 – Prep Time: 5 minutes.

Grilled Vegetarian Mushroom Quesadillas

Ingredients:
¼ cup (60mL) butter
6 Bigelow I Love Lemon & C® Herbal tea bags
¾ cup (180mL) boiling water
3 teaspoons (10mL) chili powder
2 gloves garlic, minced
1 pound (500g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, minced
1 teaspoon (5mL) salt
1 – 8 ounce (250g) pkg. Tempeh, crumbled
2 cups (500mL) light Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
Canola oil
12 – 6 inch (15cm) flour tortillas
Lemon wedges as a garnish

Instructions:

To prepare filling:
Place teabags into measuring cup and pour boiling water over bags. Let stand for 5 minutes. Remove bags and reserve tea.

Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat. Add tea, chili powder and garlic. Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add mushrooms, onion and salt. Saute until mushrooms are brown and tender.

Add the crumbled tempeh and saute 2 minutes more or until heated through.

Remove from heat, cool for 10 minutes.

To assemble quesadillas:
Preheat grill to 350ºF (180ºC). Lightly brush 6 tortillas on one side with oil. Place the tortillas oil-side down on large non-stick rimless baking sheet (Use a cookie sheet with sides by turning it upside down). Divide the filling mixture equally among the tortillas, top with cheese, top with remaining 6 tortillas, brush tops with oil.

Gently slide the quesadillas onto the grill. Grill for about 3 minutes on each side, until heated through and golden brown. Remove from grill and let stand for 2 minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream or guacamole and lemon wedges if desired.

Yield: Serves 6 – Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes.

For more great recipes, go to our website under Recipes/Entertaining.