Cinco de Mayo made EASY!

Happy TACO TUESDAY, friends!

Bonus, it’s a TRIPLE POST TUESDAY, so make sure you also check out my MAY READY WITH WALMART HOME and PART#1 RECAPPING OUR WEEKEND ON NANTUCKET!

Each year, I share my CINCO DE MAYO MENU, but this year, I thought I’d jazz it up a bit and not just share my menu, but share “cinco” thoughts/tips for hosting a Cinco de Mayo party.

Whether you need a delicious menu for an easy Texas-style Cinco de Mayo party, your Taco Tuesday, or you’re just looking for a menu for your summer outdoor party…I have you covered!

As you know, my family enjoys Mexican food several nights a week, but we love entertaining with it too!  Just a week ago, my mom hosted a family party for Catherine’s birthday and Mexican food was the main fare.

There are so many reasons why entertaining with Tex-Mex/Mexican food is a great idea (other than the fact that it’s just delicious!).

Here are my cinco Cinco de Mayo tips:

If you’re feeding a crowd, this food is easy to stretch.  Sides like beans and rice are not only inexpensive, but they go a long way too.  Chips, tortillas, salsa, a big batch of queso are all easy ingredients that feed a crowd with very little or no prep on the host’s  part.

 

This yummy food is so easy to make gluten-free!  Mexican food by default is mostly g-free.  Use only corn tortillas instead of flour for an easy swap and then really and truly, for the most part, everything else is naturally without gluten.  Rice, beans, corn tortilla chips, pico, salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, your proteins, sautéed veggies…all gluten-free.  If you’re inviting over a g-free family or if you’re unsure about your guests’ dietary restrictions, this is a simple way to at least know you’re offering food without gluten.

You can prep and make most of the items in advance which makes entertaining so much easier!  There is nothing worse than being a frazzled hostess (or being greeted by one).  So many yummy Tex-Mex recipes can be prepped if not entirely made in advance.

Whether you’re hosting a big party or your small family for dinner, this is easy to make it “build your own” to allow guests to tailor their plate according to their likes, dislikes, levels of spiciness, etc.  This also allows vegetarians to basically eat the same meal just skipping the animal proteins you have out, or if your guests are trying to eat more protein and less carbs, they can add more meat, pico and guacamole to the plate while skipping the extra chips, rice and tortillas.  It really does allow for everyone to make it “their own”.  (Which means that I can make mine extra spicy!)

When you’re hosting a Mexican themed meal, you can skip all the wine and beer and you don’t have to fret over specialty cocktails.  Just whip up a big pitcher of our Easy Margaritas and you’re all set!

Okay, below are a few of our favorite Tex-Mex inspired recipes in case you want to enjoy a Taco Tuesday or celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy! xx

Our Easy Margarita is just that, so easy!!  Once you make these, you’ll never make them any other way!

Speaking of easy, if you want a simple little twist on a margarita, try my Margarita Floats!

Let’s talk easy guacamole!  This one is so simple and complements any entrée!

Speaking of entrees, I have several choices…

…mmmmm…my Easy Skillet Enchiladas are so delish!  Or you could try my…

…Taco Meatballs over Avocado Mash!  Looking for a taco?  I have…

…my Cheesy Ranch Tacos…

…Baked Chicken Fajita Tacos (best of both worlds!)…or…

…Flank Steak Tacos with a Creamy Slaw or…

…my Chicken Enchiladas Verdes!

If you want something a bit lighter, you can also try my Beefy Taco Soup too!

Finish up with my Strawberry Margarita Ice Cream Pie!

Have a great May 5th, everyone!  I hope there’s queso and guac in your day! xx