Food & Beverage

NEW YORK, April 23 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla that turned the tide in the Mexican struggle for independence. In the US, the date celebrates Mexican culture as well as the arrival of spring with food, friends, and family. With Mexican food being one of the fastest growing cuisines in America, Cinco de Mayo has become one of the biggest food fiesta days of the year. And guacamole has become one of the most popular party dips in the country.

Avocados are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and their versatility and easy-to-use nature make them a fantastic addition to any Cinco de Mayo party. It is important to choose the freshest avocados for these party snacks. To spot a ripe avocado, one looks for a green-black pebbly skin that yields to gentle pressure when squeezed. The following quick and easy party food recipes using Hass Avocados from Mexico are just the thing to get the fiesta started this Cinco de Mayo.

Avocado & Chorizo Mini Empanadas
Makes a dozen

2 Hass Avocados from Mexico
1/2 cup of fresh chorizo, cooked through
1/2 cup of pepper jack cheese
Salt and pepper
1 can refrigerated biscuits


In a small bowl, mix the avocado, chorizo, cheese, and add salt and pepper to taste. Lay one biscuit on a clean work surface and roll out until about double in size. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the avocado mixture in the center of the circle and fold the dough over the top to enclose the mixture. It should create a semi-circle. Seal the edges with a fork and place on a nonstick baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining biscuits. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.

Jumbo Lump Crab and Avocado Taco Bites
Makes approximately 2 cups

1/2 pound jumbo lump crab meat
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained and liquid reserved
1/2 red onion, diced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large Hass Avocado from Mexico, diced
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)


In a large bowl, combine the crab, tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and cumin. Fold in the Hass Avocado from Mexico and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the reserved tomato juice until desired consistency is reached. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve on corn chips or crackers.

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