We came up on Cinco de Mayo rather quickly this year, didn’t we? In fact, it’s today. How is it already May? Cinco de Mayo, or Battle of Puebla Day, celebrates the Mexican Army’s May 5 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Growing up in Arizona, it was always cause for celebration.
Perhaps you’re headed to a party tonight or over the weekend and are wondering what to bring. Cinco de Mayo is always a festive occasion and usually, a nice bottle of tequila would be welcome but as I’m headed to such a party tomorrow, I decided to bake some cookies. It’s what I do. Trolling though my archives I came up with three options … all from my “one dough, many cookies” series. Let’s make this easy, shall we? I’ll take a half batch of basic butter cookie dough, divide it into four pieces and make four completely different cookies. As I’m currently at my mom’s house without all my tricks and tools, this should be easy.
First up, Mexican Chocolate Crinkles, a spiced chocolate cookie with just a hit of chipotle chile for a little heat, a little smoke. Then Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies. I’ll add some cocoa powder to the dough, cut thin rounds and fill with dulce de leche. A caramel filled cookie is always a crowd pleaser. Next up, a classic … Mexican Wedding Cookies. Chopped walnuts and a good dip in powdered sugar makes for a truly delicious cookie. For the fourth, I’m creating a new one – Hojarascas – a buttery cinnamon cookie. Hope it turns out!
Should be a nice mix of things. And let’s not forget the Kentucky Derby AND the Royal Coronation is tomorrow too. Get that Derby Pie ready and whip up some scones too while you’re at it. It’s a big baking weekend!
STRESS THERAPY BAKING FACTOR: ¡HURRA! It’s always a great – and the polite thing to do – to show up at a party with a gift. In my experience, homemade cookies have always been appreciated. And if they’re on theme? Even better. Four delicious Cinco de Mayo themed cookies in a pretty little box, coming right up. Though I’ll bring the tequila too because this crowd is a bunch of boozers.
Other things to make this weekend:
drinks: Spicy Mango Limeade, Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca, Mexican Hot Chocolate
appetizers/starters: Mexican Seafood Cocktail, Cotija Cumin Shortbread, Candied Pumpkin Empanadas. Hatch Chile Queso Dip, Cotija Churros with Guava Sauce, Queso Fundito
side dishes: Esquites – Mexican Corn Salad, Refried Beans
misc: Candied Jalapenos, DIY Chile Powder
main courses: Posole Verde, Michelada Style Steamed Clams, Machaca Enchiladas, Chicken Sour Cream Enchiladas
desserts: Spicy Pineapple Paletas, Avocado Lime Tequila Popsicles, Mexican Chocolate Pudding Pops, Coconut Tres Leches Ice Cream, Horchata Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream, Chocolate Dulce de Leche Swirl Ice Cream, Chocolate Dulce de Leche Fondue, Mexican Chocolate Streusel Poundcake, Mexican Chocolate Cookies, Bacon Fat Polvorónes, Double Chocolate Alfajores, Chocolate Churros, ChocoFlan
Coronation treats: Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies, Date Cake with Caramel Glaze, Royal Wedding Elderflower Cake, Eton Mess, Barley Marmalade Scones, Almond Tea Cake
STRESSCAKE 