Are the kids (and you) getting a little stir crazy? This is the perfect time to teach them something about the Mexican culture with delicious food, music and fun. With everything going on in the world, moms are looking for quick and easy family meal ideas. I have teamed up with Old El Paso Cheese to share another great recipe and a few ways you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home with your family.
Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for May 5th? The holiday celebrates the 1862 victory of Mexico’s army against France at the Battle of Puebla. Another name for Cinco de Mayo is Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. I also recently discovered that it is celebrated much more in the U.S. than it is in Mexico. It has been celebrated in Puebla with a parade or even a reenactment of the Battle of Puebla.
We are huge fans of Old El Paso Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend. This is a blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla and Asadero Cheeses. It is specifically styled to melt easily, and it adds flavor complexity to any recipe. This is why it was the perfect choice for our Cinco de Mayo recipe. We used the cheese to make some very delicious taquitos. These are super quick and easy to make and will be a new family favorite.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- Old El Paso Mexican Style 4 Cheese Blend (or any of the new cheese options they have)
- 6 Medium-to-large tortillas
- Cooked chicken
- Vegetable oil
Once you have all of the ingredients, it is time to make your taquitos.
Step 1: Get your cooked/shredded chicken and your Old El Paso cheese and mix it together in a small bowl.
Step 2: Warm up the tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Step 3: Cut the tortillas in half.
Step 4: Get half of a tortilla and fill it to your liking and then roll semi tight (some people use toothpicks to seal them and keep them shut, but we did not).
Step 5: Heat your oil in the frying pan on medium to low heat.
Step 6: When the oil is ready (you can figure this out by sticking the end of a wooden spoon into the oil- if you see many bubbles form around the wood and they start to float up, then the oil is ready, if it is bubbling hard, then the oil is too hot so let it cool a while and then check the temperature again) lower in the rolled taquitos seam side down.
Step 7: Flip taquitos and cook until golden brown.
Step 8: Place on a paper towel to cool and drain the excess oil.
Step 9: Get your favorite dipping sauce and serve. We also added extra cheese topping on our taquitos.
A few other great ideas for quick and easy meals would be nachos, tacos or quesadillas. You can also do some fun crafts with the kids like making shakers and maracas. Search the internet for a map and have the kids locate Mexico. A fun idea would be to use the number five when you teach the kids something new. You can do an internet search and learn five new things about Mexico or teach them five new words in Spanish. You can also have them watch this fun YouTube video and play some mariachi music during lunch or dinner.
I just want to make the most out of being home with the family. I have turned into a homeschool teacher like many other parents since the kids cannot go to school. This is a really great way to teach the kids a new culture and celebrate from home. Since we can’t go out to celebrate, we decided we will have a picnic outside. The kids will love the idea and you can do it in your own backyard. I hope you have an amazing Cinco de Mayo and that your family loves this taquito recipe with Old El Paso Cheese. Don’t forget that the contest is still going on to see who is the cheesiest family. You can submit a cheesy family photo for the chance to win a variety of great prizes! (Contest Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Ends 11:59 p.m. CT 5/5/20 25+. Details and Rules: cheesiestfamily.com)
Stay safe and make the most of every moment with your loved ones.
Until next time,
XOXO Meg
