CINCO DE MAYO

GREETINGS FROM CARMELA'S CUCINA,

Hola, It is so hard to believe that it is already May. The forecast is rather bleak with cool temperatures and lots of rain. I have an idea for you to brighten you weekend. As you know May 5th is also known as Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo, (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/cinco_de_mayo) is a celebration of Mexican food and heritage. It is to those of Mexican background what St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish, or what Oktoberfest is to the German's.

So pull out a colorful pinata for the kids and the Margarita glasses for the adults and then make up the following recipe for a great Cinco de Mayo celebration.

SANTA FLORENTINA CHILI CHEESECAKE

1 cup crushed tortilla chips
3 Tablespoons melted butter
2-8 ounce packages of softened cream cheese
2 eggs
1-4 ounce can diced green chilies
1 fresh jalapeno pepper seeded and diced
4 ounces shredded Colby cheese
4 ounces shredded Monetary Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream

Combine chips and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven. In a large bowl blend cream cheese and eggs. Add chile's, jalapeno, and both cheeses. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake for 30 minutes. Do not over bake. Remove from the oven and cool 5 minutes. Run a knife around the inside edge and remove sides from the pan. Spread sour cream over the top and decorate with tomatoes, sliced onions, black olives and serve with chips.

I hope you and your family and friends have a wonderful Cinco de Mayo.

Ole!

Carmela Tursi Hobbins