Fresh fruit for mixed drinks
Perhaps pineapples have graced a skewer or two, but did you know they can be used in cocktails, too? Other fruits like plums, mangos, lemons, peaches and nectarines can be grilled and placed in or blended with liquors like rum and tequila or non-alcoholic liquids. This Jewel of Oaxaca recipe combines grilled mango, chili syrup, lime juice and mezcal. Also check out their non-alcoholic grilled lemonade
Mexican desserts
Fruits can also be grilled for desserts. Pineapples grilled to a nice, warm temperature with slightly crispy edges can be served with vanilla ice cream and dulce de leche topping. This recipe for grilled bananas with Mexican chocolate sauce looks delicious and is easy to make. Serve the grilled bananas with rum or vanilla ice cream. Grilled peaches also match up well with ice cream, but you can also try grilling plums or apricots. Grill the fruit to a crispy, caramelized exterior and warm interior and serve alone or with something chilled.
Mexican corn
Grilled corn on the cob is standard street fare not only in Mexico but around the world. It’s time to try it at home. Sour cream, chili powder, and perhaps a little lime squeeze is all you need for prep. Some Mexican corn lovers add a bit of parmesan cheese, mayonnaise or salt. Corn’s naturally neutral taste makes it a blank slate for grilling recipes. Experiment with your favorite Mexican spices.
Hot dog twist
Grilled street food is an art in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is the perfect day to take your standard hot dog and serve it like the little street stands and cafes do. Even a lowly hot dog can be raised to Cinco de Mayo status. This recipe for grilled hot dog tortas is an easy place to start. A torta is basically taco or burrito stuffings on a sandwich. Grilled tomatoes and chicken, fruit salsas, and snappy jalapeños are some torta ingredients.
Chorizo burgers
Like the corn and hot dogs, standard issue beef or turkey burgers can be made with a Mexican flare. Turkey chorizo patties are made by mixing the chorizo (cooked pork sausage used to flavor other dishes) in the ground turkey before grilling. Shred the chorizo and add it to ground beef and serve with guacamole instead of ketchup or mayonnaise.
A new Mexican twist on a common food is all you need to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style, and a few new methods and ingredients may find their way into your regular weekend grilling. Experimenting with new tastes is a great way to honor this rich Mexican culture. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
