So last week we spoke of intentional celebrating ~ Who took me up on that idea? Did you make someone’s day with a little surprise? I hope you found some time to make someone’s day and I hope someone else made your day feel special too.

It looks like this week we are back to those “big” celebrations, or maybe not so “big” but those that come to mind for a reason to celebrate. What is that you say? No, still not Mother’s Day. It’s time for Cinco de Mayo. Bonus this next week, you get two days of celebration, Cinco De Mayo on Monday and Taco Tuesday on Tuesday. It’s a week made just for all you Margarita and Taco fans! Well, you have company there ~ here at The View Cafe & Gifts, we love a good fiesta and especially love a good margarita! If you have followed us for awhile you saw our big Cinco De Mayo Celebration that we hosted last year on our patio at The View. We showcased all of our favorites. Unfortunately, this year we won’t be having that same celebration, but that doesn’t mean you can’t with a little help from us.

Growing up in a German family I never had experienced any Mexican food until I went away to college. Once I tried it, I never looked back. I spent many years during and after college taking trips to Tijuana and had many opportunities to experience true Mexican food and traditions. One of our favorite weekend excursions was to drive to Rosarita Beach for Lobster Tacos and Margaritas after a day of surfing. This was such a favorite of mine that once I started my first “real” job after college working for Marriott, I even talked our team into going down to Mexico for a team building activity. They learned to love it as much as I did! Margaritas have a way of doing that ~ Through the years our family has  continued to foster our love of Mexican food with many trips to various parts of Mexico.

I would love to show you all the fun items we have here at The View to help you with your celebration.

We all know the best Cinco De Mayo Celebration begins with a great Margarita. Lucky for you, we have a couple great options for you. Stonewall Kitchens Margarita Mixer is a classic and your can’t go wrong with this mix. This year we have added a Spicy Strawberry Margarita Mixer and a Pink Grapefruit Mixer to our product line. If you are looking for something really quick, we also have the Noble Mix Single Serve Cocktails in a Margarita and Spicy Margarita. What is a margarita without a fun glass? You need to check out our Margarita Recipe Glasses and Margarita Pitcher. It the perfect addition to your celebration.

Now let’s talk tacos ~ From Taco Platters, to Taco Salad Bowls and Tortilla warmers, the Mudpie Circa Collection is just right for your Fiesta not just next week, but for every Taco Tuesday in your future. Okay, now that you have to serve ware, what are you going to put on them? Tacos of course! We just brought in a great new cookbook just in time for Cinco De Mayo, Tequila and Tacos. This cookbook will help you try out some of the country’s most tantalizing tacos paired with equally inventive tequila-inspired cocktails—from seasoned food writer and libation enthusiast Katherine Cobbs. I am so excited to try some of these recipes!

Speaking of recipes~ Here is one that I can’t wait to try that features one of our latest arrivals The Smoky Fajita Sheet Pan Dinner from Stonewall Kitchen and the Fajita Skillet Set. With Cinco de Mayo falling on a Monday this year, this is made with busy weeknights in mind. It features zesty spices like chilies and cumin for a rich, smoky flavor. Just toss it with chicken or steak plus onions and bell peppers for an easy meal that’s delicious served with tortillas, sour cream and guacamole.

Always an easy and go to recipe for me is a 7 layer dip. This is always made better with Stonewall Kitchen’s Salas and Corn Chips. Here is a recipe you might want to try out this Cinco de Mayo:

7 Layer Dip

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 avocados, peeled and diced
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup Stonewall Kitchen Black Bean Salsa or Mango Lime Salsa
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 green onions, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In a greased deep pie dish, spread the refried beans and then layer the chopped green chiles on top.
3. For the next layer combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Continue layering the avocados, lemon juice, salsa, and top with the two cheeses and green onions.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
5.  5. Serve with tortilla chips.

So whether you’re planning a laid-back Monday night dinner or hosting a festive taco-and-tequila bash, we’ve got everything you need to make it memorable. Come by and let us help you put the olé! in your Cinco de Mayo.

Happy celebrating,

Carolyn