-by Jenny Harper

Viva la fiesta! Which in my book means “time to party!”

Join the Cinco de Mayo fun by hosting a party Mexican style, with great food, music, festive decorations… and don’t forget a piñata or two for the kids. Fuel the festivities with a sweet ‘n’ tart creamy drink that starts with lime sherbet. Make Creamy Carnation Margaritas “adults only” with a shot of traditional tequila; make a kids’ version without.

Plan a menu with authentic, vibrant flavors from Mexico. Start with tortilla chips and a cheesy salsa dip , or guacamole. Or try making Sopes — cornmeal rounds topped with vibrant tomato, cheese and chiles for festive finger-food. Choose a hearty main dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, like Tamale Pie or enchiladas. Or make your favorite pot of chili to serve over Fiesta Corn Bread — tender corn bread studded with green chiles and cheese.

Have the kids help make a traditional Mexican dessert. Wedding Cakes are actually a very rich cookie that your family and friends will make disappear, along with those Margaritas!

And if you really want to put the “ole!” into the day, show off your baking skills by treating your adult guests to Pastel Tres Leches, a classic “three milk” cake that is beloved both north and south of the border. Cinco de Mayo is a great excuse to celebrate spring’s arrival and to enjoy flavors we’ve come to love:

• Shop Mexican markets for brightly colored tablecloths, festive, colorful pottery for decoration, and piñatas.
• Reflect the colors of the Mexican flag — red, green and white — on your table. Serve an array of radishes, cherry tomatoes, red and green bell pepper, green onion and jícama with guacamole and sour cream dips.
• Put on a stack of festive south-of-the-border music to set the mood.

There are more great articles waiting for you on Jenny’s Very Best. You’ll also find fun and helpful tips, articles, recipes and more all over VeryBestBaking.com!

CREAMY CARNATION MARGARITAS (Makes 4 servings)

• 2 cups lime sherbet or sorbet
• 1 can (12 fluid ounces) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
• 1 cup ice (6 ice cubes)
• 2 tablespoons (1 shot) tequila, or to taste (optional)
• Coarse salt (optional)
• Fresh lime slices

PLACE sherbet, evaporated milk, ice cubes and tequila (if using) in blender container; cover. Blend until smooth. If salted rims of margarita glasses are desired, dip rims into water, then salt and shake off excess. Pour margarita mixture into glasses. Garnish with lime slices.

Nutrition Information per Serving: 210 calories; 50 calories from fat; 6g total fat; 4.5g saturated fat; 30mg cholesterol; 95mg sodium; 32g carbohydrate; 0g fiber; 32g sugars; 6g protein

NOTES:

Click here to find out why CARNATION Evaporated Milk is The Cooking Milk.

Click here for nutrition information about CARNATION Evaporated Milk.