Happy Cinco de Mayo! a common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day (that's September 16th.) The holiday actually commemorates the Mexican army's defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It's just a nice opportunity to celebrate the culture and people of Mexico which I gladly do. Mexico gave me the gift of weight loss surgery and post-op plastic surgery and for that I am forever thankful. To those who say "You went where for surgery?! Are you crazy?" Damn right I did and I'd do it again in a nano-second. To the beautiful Mexican people that helped to give me my life back: Dr. Aguirre and his staff especially Rosella, Bambi (RIP), Alejandra and Sonia, Dr. Quiroz and his staff especially Jenny and Giselle, and Alonzo and the rest of the Lucerna staff... a heartfelt thank you and ¡Viva México!
So last week I got a notice on the door that Southern California Edison would be doing work in my area and I would have no electricity from 8 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday. I didn't think much about it then it hit me... uggh that's Cinco de Mayo. I have a gas stove but errr no pilot light. That meant no cooking indoors till after 4.
I've said it before and I'll say it again... I could NEVER be Amish. No hair dryer, no tunes, no computer, no COFFEE MAKER?! WTH?!
Plan B. I was able to make a festive lunch without the use of anything electric. Where there's a will there's a way.
Shelly's Tropical Shrimp Cocktail
1 pound Large Cooked Shrimp (21/25 count), peeled, deveined, tails off
1 Avocado, diced
1/2 cup Papaya Mango Salsa (I used Trader Joe's fresh)
1/2 cup Mild Fresh Salsa (Tomato Salsa)
dash of Kosher Salt
Toss all ingredients together and spoon into margarita glasses.
Mmmm and some BBQ'd Elote Corn...
How to make it: Grill Corn on the BBQ till golden. Wrap in foil with a pat of butter inside. Put back on the BBQ closed lid for 5 minutes. Open foil packet, careful not to get a steam burn. Sprinkle with Cotija Cheese. Light squeeze of lime if desired.
Our Festive Table...
More Eggface Mexican Favorites:
Shelly's Mexican Beef & Bean Bake
Shelly's Mexican Chicken and Bean Bake
Shelly's Crock Pot Carnitas
Shelly's Tortilla-less Enchilada Casserole
Shelly's Chili Relleno Casserole with Chicken
Shelly's Chili Cheese Soup
Shelly's Crock Pot Carne Asada & Soup
Tomorrow I'll share what we are having for dessert. By the way my cactus has a name Espinoso Mocos (Spiny Booger) and he'll getcha if you aren't careful.