Secret_Ingredient wrote:
> To All To Whom These Presents Shall Come, GREETINGS:
>
> I have a close friend from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and every
> year, near Cinco de Mayo, we both wonder at how this (somewhat
> obscure) Mexican Holiday, became a cause célèbre in the United States.
> The Mexican victory at Puebla over the French is not, as my Mexican
> friend explains it, a major Mex holiday. So I ask if anyone here knows
> how Cinco de Mayo became something for Americans to celebrate?

There is some historical opinion that the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862,
was historically important to the United States as well as Mexico. Some
historians believe it might be MORE historically significant to US
history than Mexican history.

The French, Spanish and English had come to Mexico supposedly to collect
debts. The Spanish and English quickly did so and left. The French had
more ambitious plans...annex Mexico, support and supply the Confederate
Army to ultimately divide and destroy the United States. The
underestimated Mexicans kept the French pre-occupied long enough for the
Union Army to defeat the Confederates and preserve the Union. With the
Civil War over, the U.S. sent its support south with supplies, arms and
men to help the Mexicans defeat the French and win their independence.

I'd say it's appropriate here in the U.S. to offer a toast to the
Mexican victory at Puebla and join in the celebration...unless,
perhaps, one would prefer The South had won. :-)

>
> Also, post a red - green - white recipe, if you have one.

Fish tacos are traditional Cinco de Mayo fare at our house. This year
it'll be lightly seared tuna steak sliced thin, shredded cabbage and
grilled green chiles served on soft fried corn tortillas splashed with
a generous dollop of spicy yogurt/mayo white sauce.

Mmmmmm, mmmm...good stuff!

Rich