Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

   Are you getting ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5^th)? As with any holiday, you probably have a party planned with big meals planned and alcohol.

   Here are some “fun” alternatives beverages without the alcohol and fewer* carbohydrates.

Mock Margarita’s  

Serving Size: 4 ounces

1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentration

¾ cup orange juice

2/3 cup unsweetened grapefruit juice

25-30 small ice cubes

Directions

1.   If desired, rub rims of margarita glasses with lime wedge; dip rims into a shallow dish of coarse salt or sugar and shake off excess. Set aside.

2.  In a blender, combine limeade concentrate, orange juice, and grapefruit juice. Cover and blend until smooth. With the blender running, gradually add ice cubes through the hole in the lid, blending until slushy. If desired, tint with a few drops of green food coloring. Pour into margarita glasses. If desired, garnish with citrus slices. Makes 8 (4-ounce) servings

[Source: Diabetic Living]

Sangria Style Cooler

Serving Size: 8 ounces

4 cups orange juice

1 ½ cups white or purple unsweetened grape juice

1 1-liter bottle ginger ale

2 cups cut-up  fruit (such as oranges, lemons, limes, pineapple, seedless grapes, peaches, and/or strawberries)

2 cups ice

Directions

1.      In a large bowl or pitcher stir together the orange juice and grape juice. Slowly pour in ginger ale; stir gently. Add the fruit and ice cubes.

2.      Ladle the juice mixture with the fruit into tall glasses. Garnish with mint sprigs. Makes 10 (about 8-ounce) servings.

[Source: Diabetic Living]

   

What dishes do you have planned for your meal?

Enjoy your favorite dishes, but the healthier alternative to cut down on carbohydrates. How about you try  Pepper-PorkTamales or flan**! Remember to be mindful of your portions and have FUN!

* Follow the links for the full recipes to go over the amount of carbohydrates per serving and other nutritional information. 

** This flan recipe has 29 g carbohydrates per serving while most recipes use up to 52 g carbohydrates per serving.

By: Esteban Moreno