For those who wonder why we celebrate Cinco de Mayo – let’s take a look at Wikipedia!; It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. If it involves yummy Mexican food, we’re in!
Today is also a special day because our friend Irene, who we featured a few weeks ago when we were introducing you to Greek Easter traditions, made her very first TV debut on The Marilyn Denis Show! Irene participated in Marilyn’s “Can you Walk the Guac” contest and she won! She was kind enough to share her award-winning recipe with us! We are so lucky to be friends with this amazing foodie and all around fun chica!
Here is’ a bit of her guacamole story and the recipe – Take it Irene!
__________________
As a family we enjoy travelling as we love to experience world cultures and enjoy international cuisines. Through our travels we have met many wonderful people and have been fortunate to cook and share recipes with them. During our travels, I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful woman who is from Columbia. We both shared the passion for fresh homemade guacamole. Mrs. K was privileged to have many avocado trees growing in her backyard which I was able to pick so can make guacamole together Columbian Style!
As guacamole is one of our family favourites, I am always experimenting with different flavours. The inspiration for my recipe below is marrying the flavours from our travels to Jamaica and Spain. I love the sweetness of the Jamaican mango salad with red onion and fresh cilantro and the spicy smashed avocado with Spanish olive oil and smoked paprika we experienced in Spain. For those who do not prefer cilantro, you can substitute fresh basil which is part of Mrs K’s Columbian Style guacamole!
The Guac Queen, Irene’s Grilled Avocado & Mango Guacamole
Serves 4 -6
3 ripe Avocados
1 mango peeled and cut into large slices
1 clove garlic minced
1/3 cup of red onion diced
1/3 cup of fresh chopped Cilantro
1 Jalapeño pepper sliced in ¼ inch rounds
Juice of 1 Lime
Smoked Spanish Paprika
Heat Grill or Grill pan on high heat. Carefully oil grill. Half, peel and pit the avocados and squeeze a little of the lime juice to avoid browning. Drizzle avocados with 1 tbsp. of olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Place avocadoes, mango slices and jalapeno on hot grill and cook until grill marks form, about 2 minutes per side. Smash avocadoes in a bowl, dice the mangos and jalapenos and add them to the avocado. Add onions, cilantro, garlic and lime juice. Mix well. Drizzle guacamole with Spanish olive oil and sprinkle the smoked paprika……enjoy!
Meg’s Chicken or Beef Fajitas
1 large sweet onion sliced
2-3 bell peppers sliced (your choice on colour)
2 boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips
OR
1large skirt steak
For Marinade
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 lime (juice and zest)
1/4 C olive oil
2-3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
Cut ingredients and place peppers and onion in large bowl, and chicken or beef in another small bowl. Cover meat with 1/4 of the marinade and the veg with the remainder. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. In sauté pan cook your peppers and onions until tender but not limp. Grill chicken or beef for best results and to add that smokey flavour. (If not available, cook in cast iron pan). Serve fajitas with grated cheese, sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce on a fresh tortilla shell.
___________
We hope you all enjoy today and have a chance to try these delicious Cinco De Mayo inspired recipes!
With Love,
Daily Tiramisu
