May 5th - A Multi-Cultural Celebration!

Many of you are familiar with Cinco de Mayo, literally translated as the Fifth of May. It's a Mexican celebration in honor of the unlikely win of the small Mexican Army against the mighty French back on May 5, 1862, where they held their ground, and kept their territory. It is not overly celebrated in Mexico, but here in this country we like to toast margaritas (Mexican) and daiquiris (which are actually Cuban) or Dos Equis - a Mexican beer, that you can serve with or without the lime, while munching on good Mexican food.

While it's highly unknown here in the States, May 5th is Boys' Day in Japan. Everyone with a son flies wind socks in the shape of salmon, to show off the strength.

It is a time to honor the personalities of the children, and to respect their personalities and celebrate their happiness.

Of course we all love an excuse to have a celebration, because we all love to eat, drink and be happy.

I just think it's cool that with good food, we keep our children happy also.

Here are some recipes in honor of both cultures.

Flautas -

1 pound of chicken, diced and sauteed in onion powder, cumin & cilantro to taste. 1 or 2 cans of black beans, drained well. Tortillas of your choice, I prefer the flour, in the fajita size. Dice up tomatoes & lettuce to set aside, along with shredded cheddar cheese or the Mexican crumble cheese. Sour cream, salsa, and guacomole is good too.

Roll some chicken and black beans into a tortilla wrap, and use tooth picks to hold together. Deep fry, and set on drip tray. You'll want to keep them warm.

When done, place them on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, spread sour cream, cheese, lettuce and tomato over the top. Reserve the salsa on the side for everyone to take for themselves.

Salsa -

4 Roma tomatoes, diced. Mince up a small onion, 3 jalapenos, and add a little lime juice & cilantro.

Guacamole -

5 avacados, scooped out of shell. 1 medium tomato, diced. A small onion, minced. About a tsp of salt. Juice of a lime (or to taste). Cilantro to taste. Mash and mix. Can be served with your flautas or with chips.

Japanese stir fry -

Cut about 1.5 pounds of chicken to bite sized pieces. (Or use shrimp). Dice/cube a large onion, and stir fry in oil. Add chopped cabbage such as bok choy, and other cut veggies like broccoli, cauliflaur, baby corn, green beans, slivered carrots, or what ever you like.

At the 2 minute mark, when they're just about crisp yet tender, add about 2 tsp of sugar, or if you need some liquid, use 1 Tbs of mirin. Add about 2Tbs soy sauce, or more to taste, and some pepper. Keep stiring on high until done.

Serve with tender brown rice. Enjoy!