Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) marks the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory over France in the battle of the Puebla in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War (which took place from 1861-1867). Today, Cinco de Mayo has become known as a day to celebrate all things of Mexican heritage and culture here in the United States, even though it’s considered a minor holiday by some in Mexico. It’s not uncommon on Cinco de Mayo to see celebrations that may include parades, mariachi music or street festivals. For all of the foodies out there, Cinco de May is also a day when we can indulge in Mexican inspired dishes and drinks!
What Is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo History Here in the US
This history of Cinco de Mayo here in the US has evolved over the years. First known as a “holiday” celebrated primarily in California, Cinco de Mayo celebrations have spanned to many large cities across the US, especially those with large Mexican-American populations, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and San Jose. In fact, Wikipedia cites that it is estimated in 2006 more than 150 Cinco de Mayo events were held throughout the US. While being a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, part of Cinco de Mayo’s rise in popularity has a commercial interest as well. Companies that sell Mexican products and services such as food, alcoholic beverages and music use Cinco de Mayo as a day to further promote what they have to offer.
Happy Cinco de Mayo from Dorsey Culinary Academy
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, our team here at Dorsey Culinary Academy, wanted to share some Mexican-themed recipes.
We sat down recently with Chef Matt Schellig, Associate Director of Dorsey Culinary Academy at the Waterford-Pontiac, MI campus to get two of his favorite Mexican-inspired recipes. Chef Schellig shares his take on a Mole-Style Spice Rub with us along with a recipe for Salsa Fresca. So, whether you’re ready to spice things up with a great mole or just hang out with some chips and homemade salsa – we’ve got you covered!
How to Make Mole Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbs Ancho Chili
- 2 tbs Chili Powder
- 2 tbs Third-dried Chili or Chili Powder
- ½ cup Slivered Almonds
- ½ cup White Sesame Seeds
- 1 tbs Black Peppercorns
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 tbs Dried Oregano
- 2 tbs Drived Thyme
- 2 tbs Onion Powder
- 1 tbs Garlic Powder
- ¼ cup salt
- ½ cup Golden Raisins, minced
- 3 Mexican Chocolate Disks, chopped finely
Directions:
- Lightly toast the peppers in a saute pan, then remove.
- In the same pan, toast the sesame, almonds, black pepper, and cinnamon.
- Then grind in a spice grinder until they are pulverized.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients.
- Spice mixture should keep in the freezer for several months.
How To Make Salsa Fresca Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 Roma Tomatoes, Diced
- 1 tbs Minced Garlic
- 1 tbs Minced Shallots
- 1 tbs Rough Chopped Cilantro
- 1 Lime juiced
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Small dice the roma tomatoes.
- Combine all ingredients.
- Enjoy!
- Label & date any leftovers.
Want to mix it up a bit?
- Consider adding 1 diced avocado for avocado salsa
- Consider adding 1 cup of roasted corn kernels for corn salsa
- Consider roasting the tomatoes for a roasted tomato salsa
Culinary Arts Training at Dorsey Schools
The Culinary Arts training program at Dorsey Schools is designed to take a student’s love for transforming simple ingredients into delicious dishes to the next professional level! In the Culinary
Arts diploma program offered at Dorsey Schools, students “learn by doing,” as instruction will take place in both the classrooms as well as the kitchens on campus. Students enrolled in the Culinary Arts training program at Dorsey Schools will also have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their culinary arts courses during the externship, which takes place during the last module of training.
The Culinary Arts program is offered at the Dorsey Schools Roseville, MI and Waterford-Pontiac, MI campuses.
If you’d like to learn more about training for a career in Culinary Arts, contact Dorsey Schools today! You can call 888-422-1188 or request info online!
Culinary Arts Program – Gainful Employment Disclosures
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