May 05, 2025

Hello Foodie Friends

The Mexican restaurants are busy with Cinco De Mayo! Literally meaning 'Fifth of May' in Spanish, is a very important date for the Mexican and Chicano communities around the world. It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th, but actually it is a celebration of the battle. Whether or not you are of Mexican heritage, this is a splendid occasion to bring the flavors of Mexico into your kitchen too.

Here's a great do-it-yourself recipe for SIMPLY SANGRIA...which is a wine punch which is typically a mix of wine, brandy and fresh fruits, served over ice that will liven up any Cinco De Mayo festivities this weekend as well as a refresher on
any hot Summer's day.

SIMPLY SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup sugar
1 lime
1 lemon
1 orange
20 halved green grapes
20 halved red grapes
1 cup pitted cherries
1 bottle fruity red wine (like Shiraz)
2 cups ice

DIRECTIONS:
Bring the water, cinnamon and sugar to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, thinly slice the lime, lemon, and orange with the peel intact. Add the fruit to the sugar mixture and set aside to cool. Add wine and chill overnight. To serve, Place some ice and fruit mixture in each glass, pour wine over fruit and enjoy.

Yield: 8 Servings

MARZEE's CORNER

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT SANGRIA

Sangria is the Spanish word for bleeding, coming from sangre, meaning blood or the color of blood, as red wine is. In Spain and the surrounding area, it is drunk at many festivals with great theatrical drama - poured directly into the mouth from a long spouted jug. The art lies in being able to drink the Sangria from varying heights without spilling any! It has now become a very well known popular drink, cool and packed with fruit. Like many "convenience" products nowadays, it is possible to buy ready-made Sangria. However, the result is not nearly as pleasing as a fresh bowl of Sangria, packed with fruit, and prepared with your own hands!