Ask a Chef: Easy fiesta foods for Cinco de Mayo

Every week one of the chefs from Harmons Grocery Stores will be answering your toughest culinary questions. No question is too big or too small and each week we'll award a pair of Harmons cooking school passes to one lucky viewer whose question is selected. Email your questions to askachef@harmonsgrocery.com.

This week's question comes from Bonnie:

"Mexican food is my all-time favorite. With Cinco de Mayo coming up, I want to throw an awesome party. Will you please share your favorite fiesta recipes?"

Mexican food is definitely a favorite of many people. It can come in lots of forms from authentic Mexican to Tex Mex or Mexican inspired favorites. I personally love the classic street taco. Every time I make street tacos they are a crowd pleaser. Here is a simple recipe your party guests will definitely enjoy:

What culinary questions do you have? Let us know! Email our Harmons chefs at askachef@harmonsgrocery.com

Chef Johnny's Street Tacos (Serves 5-6)Ingredients:

1. 4-5 lbs. of beef, pork or chicken (the choice is yours)
2. 2 C tomato sauce
3. ¼ C. Worcestershire (Hobbit Sauce)
4. 1 C. carrot juice
5. ¼ C. of lime juice
6. 3 C. water
7. 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
8. 1 Tbsp. cumin
9. 1 Tbsp. onion powder
10. 2 tsp. chipotle chili pepper (dry spice)
11. 2 Tbsp. salt
12. 2 tsp. pepper
13. 20 corn or flour tortillas Directions:

1. Combine all wet ingredients into deep cooking pan.
2. Combine spices, then rub all over your selected protein.
3. Place spice rubbed meat into pan.
4. Wrap pan with foil and bake at 280 degrees for 4 hours.
5. Remove foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes. The meat will easily fall apart or shred.
6. Add 1 tbsp. of oil to skillet and pan fry tortilla. You can also use toothpicks to hold your protein inside your taco and toss in deep fryer at 350 for 1 minute.
7. Add toppings of your choice (sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, etc.).
8. Enjoy!

You can't host a fiesta without serving an amazing Mexican inspired dessert. I like to make homemade churros. These aren't your typical carnival food, but they are definitely delicious and a lot easier to make than you think. Try this recipe:

Homemade Churros Ingredients:

1. 3/4 cup milk
2. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 1/8 teaspoon salt
4. 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
5. 3 large eggs
6. 1 Tbs. cinnamon
7. 2 Tbs. sugar
8. 1 tsp. cardamom Directions:

1. Combine the milk, butter, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Immediately remove from the heat, add the flour all at once, and mix it in with a wooden spatula.
3. Return the pan to the stove and stir over medium-high heat until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan and collects into one soft lump about the consistency of modeling clay.
4. Cook for about 20 to 30 seconds, still stirring, to dry the mixture further.
5. Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse for 4 to 5 seconds to cool the mixture slightly.
6. Beat the eggs in a bowl with a fork until well mixed.
7. Reserve 1Tbsp. of the beaten eggs to brush on the churros and add the remaining eggs to the dough mixture.
8. Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until very smooth.
9. Shape dough into 2-3 inch sections and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
10. Brush dough with remaining egg mixture.
11. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the golden brown and cooked through. They should hold their shape but still be soft.
12. Combine cinnamon, sugar and cardamom in bowl.
13. Dip warm homemade churros in cinnamon sugar mixture and enjoy!

Harmons has everything you need to host the perfect fiesta for your family and friends. From fresh guacamole and 7-layer dip to four varieties of chef prepared salsa (the pineapple salsa is a must try!), to our delicious carne asada and fajita mix, we have your celebration covered.

Want to learn how to cook like the pros? Sign up for a cooking class at one of Harmons three cooking schools. From beginner to advanced, we have something for everyone.

Check out other Ask a Harmons Chef articles here.

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