!Viva! !Viva! !Cinco de Mayo! - Mexican menu and recipes

Sunset, May, 1994 by Linda Lau Anusasananan

Raspados con Jalea de Fresa

If you lack the equipment to shave or crush ice, serve the strawberry syrup over vanilla ice cream.

4 cups strawberries, rinsed and hulled 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 to 4 pounds (8 to 10 cups) ice cubes Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries. Pour puree into a 2 1/2- to 3-quart pan; add sugar to taste. Stir occasionally over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in lemon juice; let mixture cool, then cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.

Shortly before serving, finely crush or shave ice in an ice crusher or shaved ice machine. Or drop cubes into a spinning food processor to crush fine. Spoon ice into paper cones or chilled small cups or bowls. Pour strawberry sauce over ice. Garnish with mint. Serve at once. Serves 6 to 8.

Per serving: 48 cal. (5.6 percent from fat); 0.5 g protein; 0.3 g fat (0 g sat.); 12 g carbo.; 1.6 mg sodium; 0 mg chol.

Agua Fresca de Sandia

1 watermelon (10 lb.), or a 10-pound piece 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar 2 cups cold water Ice cubes

Cut off watermelon rind and discard. Cut flesh into about 1-inch cubes. Puree melon, a portion at a time, in a blender or food processor. Pour through a strainer into a bowl to remove seeds. Mix melon puree with sugar and water to taste. If making ahead, cover and chill up to 1 day. Pour into glasses over ice cubes. Makes 3 quarts, 6 to 8 servings.

Per serving: 119 cal. (9.8 percent from fat); 1.8 g protein; 1.3 g fat (0 g sat.); 27 g carbo.; 6 mg sodium; 0 mg chol.

CINCO DE MAYO CON FAJITAS DE RES (Fifth of May with Beef Fajitas)

Carne Asada (Grilled Skirt Steak) Warm Tortillas Salsa Bandera (Flag Salsa) Guacamole Ensalada de Col y Zanahoria (Cabbage and Carrot Salad) Frijoles Charros (Cowboy-style Pinto Beans) Cebolla Morada Asada (Roasted Red Onions) Chorizo Asado (Grilled Sashed Sausages) Raspados con Jalea de Fresa (Shredded Ice with Strawberry Sauce) Cerveza Mexicana (Mexican Beer) Agua Fresca de Sandia (Watermelon Punch)