Cinco de Mayo

Like many Americans, we have joined the celebration for Cinco de Mayo. Of course this holiday is absconded by many when it has nothing to do with our heritage or the strife of the Mexican and French War, however, it does give us an excuse to enjoy Margaritas and Tres Leche Cake.


The Menu?

Tacos - 3 different styles
Mexican Mules
Tres Leche Cake


Tacos - basic. I cook ground beef and add the pre-packaged seasoning. However, I do have all of the fixings so people can customize their tacos. I also buy one of those chickens that is already cooked and shred for tacos as well.

Hard shells, tortillas, and taco shell bowls are a great way for people to make their own adventure. I also have bowls of cheese, scallions, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and sour cream.  Easy peasy.


Mexican Mules

• 2 oz tequila -  I use 100% pure Agave
  
• 2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• 2 Tablespoons Simple syrup (boil 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar until it reduces by half and thickens. I store in a mason jar to be used with other cocktails)

Mix tequila, simple syrup and grapefruit in a shaker with ice.  Shake away.  Pour into mule mug with ice about half way. Top with Ginger beer and add a slice of grapefruit for garnish (which I never have so I use an orange slice)

Tres Leche Cake
(three milk)

Cake

• 1 1/2 cup flour
  
• 1 teaspoon baking power
• 1/2 cup of butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar 
• 5 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Filling

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounce)
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 ounce)

Preheat oven to 350

Grease and flour a 9 x 12 cake pan. I find glass works the best. Mix butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs. Mix until combined. Sift flour and baking power together and mix into wet ingredients.  Pour into pan and bake 30 minutes or until fork comes out clean.

Remove cake from oven and immediately poke all over with a fork. Mix all filling ingredients together and pour over hot cake. I usually do this in three steps, letting the mixture soak in, then pour more. Don't worry, it will soak up all of the mixture.

I make this the night before and refridgerate. It is excellent the next day.

I also top each piece with whipped cream and a cherry.