Cinco de Mayo is a minor historical festival in Mexico, but in the United States it's a day to celebrate Mexican culture. Food is always an important part of cultural celebrations. This page outlines how to make Cinco de Mayo food that will enable you to immerse your friends and family in the tastes of Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo food is Mexican food. In order to really celebrate Mexico's culture, you'll want to make sure that your Cinco de Mayo food is as authentic as possible, using fresh ingredients and actual Mexican recipes. True Mexican food is different from the Tex-Mex creations that are commonly served in the United States.

Preparing traditional Cinco de Mayo food requires some ingredients you may not have on hand in your kitchen Some of these may be available in your local grocery store. most likely in the international foods isle, but some may need to be ordered online, or purchased from a Mexican specialty shop. Specialty ingredients typically used in Mexican cooking include:

1. Annatto
2. Banana Leaves
3. Seville oranges
4. Cactus
5. Chayote
6. Queso fresco (feta cheese can be substituted)
7. Fresh and dried chiles
8. Mexican chocolate
9. Chorizo
10. Cilantro
11. Corn
12. Epazote
13. Huitlacoche
14. Masa harina
15. Plantains
16. Pumpkin seeds
17. Squash blossoms
18. Tomatillos

Spices like annato can usually be found in the spices isle while fresh herbs like cilantro can be found alongside the parsley in the grocer's produce isle. Chorizo may be found along any type of dried sausage, like pepperoni. Most major grocery stores carry Goya's line of Hispanic food items.

• Although you may not be hosting a Cinco de Mayo party at breakfast time, Cooking up an authentic Mexican breakfast or brunch can be a great way to start the holiday. Food for a Cinco de Mayo breakfast might include:

1. Huevos rancheros
2. Chorizo, egg and cheese burritos
3. Chiles rellenos
4. Coffee with brown sugar and cinnamon
5. Apple cinnamon empanadas
6. Fruit salad

For a Cinco de Mayo breakfast, you may even want to opt for putting a Mexican flavored twist on your everyday breakfast. Ideas for a breakfast like this include a Chorizo omelet made with a Mexican cheese or Mexican scrambled eggs made by adding green onions, cheese, tomatoes and a bit of seeded and minced jalapeno chili.

The food you choose to prepare on Cinco de Mayo will depend on whether or not you're cooking an intimate dinner for two, or hosting a buffet dinner for a number of friends. No matter how many people you're serving, there are a all types of Mexican recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and desserts. Popular Mexican entrees include enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, burritos, salads and dishes made with beef, chicken, turkey, pork or fish. Side dishes can include traditional Mexican dishes like refried beans, gazpacho and soups. For appetizers on Cinco de Mayo, consider serving guacamole, chickaritos or nachos. Top the meal off with a delicious and traditional Mexican drink like a margarita, sangria, Mexican coffee or if you're brave, Tequila.

• Ever since the Mayans began incorporating honey into their menus, sweets have been an important feature of Mexican food. Consider ending the meal with one of the following Cinco de Mayo desserts:

1. Flan: This is a custard dessert, similar to a tart. Flan is often topped off with a sweet, liquid caramel sauce.
2. Churros: These are finger-shaped fried pastries. Some compare these sweet treats to donuts and they are sometimes sprinkled with sugar. Churros are usually served alongside hot melted chocolate.
3. Mexican Wedding Cookies: These cookies can be made with almonds, pecans or walnuts. The round Mexican wedding cookies are served at special events and are rolled in fine powdered sugar. They are similar to Russian Tea Cakes.
4. Sopapillas: This is a type of sweet and fluffy pastry that is fried. They are most often served with warm honey or a syrup. Sopapillas can have a cinnamon or anise flavor.

• Step 1: Stock up on Ingredients
• Step 2: Cinco de Mayo Breakfasts
• Step 3: Cinco de Mayo Food
• Step 4: Cinco de Mayo Desserts