How to Throw a Cinco de Mayo Party - Eats

Mexicali Popcorn -

10 cups of popped popcorn
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup grated Cheddar or Colby cheese

Place the popcorn in a large bowl.  In a small bowl, mix the seasoning with the butter.  Add grated cheese, then stir into the warm popcorn.  Makes 10 cups.

Create-Your-Own-Taco-Buffet - Keep the fare simple with a DIY main course.  Place shredded chicken, chili beef, lettuce, tomatoes, re-fried beans, grated cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa in serving bowls; then arrange hard and soft shells on a plate.  Encourage guests to pile up their tacos ... and come back for seconds.

Round out the menu with chunks of tropical fruits served on Mexican Flag Picks (IN-3/2812, $5.25/144, Oriental Trading Company) and tortilla chips paired with your favorite dip.

Kids' Sangria - this recipe calls for cranberry/raspberry juice.

4 cups cranberry/raspberry juice
3 oranges
2 limes

Pour the fruit juice into a large pitcher.  Slice the oranges and limes thinly, remove any seeds, and add the slices to the pitcher.  Serve in tall glasses filled with ice.  Serves 4.