Healthy, festive Cinco de Mayo tips

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, it is easy to see how Hispanic influences have been incorporated into this country's vocabulary, holiday celebrations and pop culture.

Despite the cultural immersion, when it comes to serving authentic Mexican foods, many are not sure what to serve. According to a Hormel Foods survey, 38 percent of adults were unable to identify carne asada with black beans as a traditional Cinco de Mayo meal.

Contrary to popular belief, traditional Cinco de Mayo dishes do not have to be fried or calorie-dense. Offer your guests healthy and traditional choices with help from an expert.

"Traditional Mexican fare consists of low-calorie, nutrient-rich ingredients such as beans, rice, vegetables and fruits," said Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, a registered dietitian and founder of Hispanic Food Communications, Inc.  

Klinger offers a few tips on how to create a Cinco de Mayo fiesta that captures the essence of a traditional Mexican meal, with plenty of flavor.  

-- Choose meats that are full of flavor, not of fat: A grill is often the center of a Cinco de Mayo celebration, placing the focus of the meal on proteins such as beef and pork. Provide nutritious choices for your guests by offering lean meat. A pre-marinated variety, such as lemon pepper or mesquite barbecue, adds additional flavoring while saving time.

--Dip into the party: Using beans as a main ingredient in your dip provides a tasty appetizer full of fiber and antioxidants. To create a crowd-pleasing dip, Tasty Frijoles Especiales, cook and mash one can of black or pinto beans. Mix in a can or jar of Mexican-made salsa and a teaspoon of lime juice. Top with an even sprinkling of queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese to finish. Serve in a colorful platter with baked tortillas, and wait for the compliments to roll in.

-- Keep the fiesta fires burning: After the party has ended, use your leftover ingredients to make a traditional Mexican rice dish. Begin by cooking your family's favorite rice on the stove. Toss a chicken-flavored bouillon cube with uncooked rice into boiling water. After the flavored rice is cooked, mix in salsa, black beans and corn. Finally, add the leftover meat -- grilled and chopped -- to create a healthy and flavorful meal or snack.

Source: Hormel Foods/Family Features



For more Cinco de Mayo recipes for your celebration, visit www.HormelFoodsRecipes.com.