Cinco de Mayo

Edited note: the information provided below is based on this article; please read comments for some corrections provided by other sources.

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On the morning of May 5, 1862, twelve years after Mexico declared it's independence from Spain, four thousand Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitorous Mexican army of 8,000 men at Puebla Mexico.

Five months before, the French came to Mexico, along with Spanish and English troops, to collect Mexican debts from the newly elected government of democratic President Benito Juarez. After the English and Spanish made their deals and left, however, the French, under Napoleon III, remained to provide support to the American Confederacy during the Civil War.

The French attacked Mexico City and were defeated by the Mexican army under General Zaragosa--a victory that prevented Napoleon III from supplying the confederacy for another year, allowing the Union to build up their army. The battle of Gettysburg was fought 14 months later, which was the key battle leading to the end the Civil War.

Union forces were then able to come to Mexico's aid to eject the French occupation. In gratitude, thousands of Mexicans joined the U.S. armed forces to fight in WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Although Cinco de Mayo isn't widely celebrated in Mexico, it is an opportunity for Americans and Mexicans alike to remember that we are friends and neighbors; an occasion to remember freedom and liberty.

In that light, Mr.W and I had our own small celebration this evening--a dinner of tostadas.


Tostadas
serves 2 to 3 generously

6 corn tortillas
oil for deep frying
1/2 pound ground beef, browned and seasoned with salt and pepper
refried beans, or mashed beans of choice
salsa or taco sauce
thinned sour cream
chopped lettuce or baby spinach
shredded cheese (we used colby jack, a soft, mild cheese)
other toppings as desired

Fry corn tortillas until lightly golden brown to make a tostada shell; drain on paper towels. Top crispy tostada shells with refried beans, ground beef, and remaining toppings as desired.

Devour.


Historical information found and paraphrased from this source.