The Small Town Chef

From hand-crafted guacamole to fire-kissed carne asada—this is how you build a Cinco de Mayo spread that actually delivers There are two kinds of Cinco de Mayo spreads. The ones that lean on shortcuts… and the ones that people remember. This one? It’s the second kind. I pulled together some of my favorite Mexican-inspired recipes from the blog and organized them the way I actually think about building a meal—layered, balanced, and full of flavor. Not complicated. Not fussy. Just intentional cooking that turns a casual gathering into something that feels like a celebration. And it all starts the same way it always should… Start Here: Guacamole That Sets the Tone Before anything hits the grill or the stovetop, you need something on the table that gets people reaching, dipping, and hovering around the kitchen. 👉 Hand-crafted Guacamole This isn’t just guacamole—it’s the kind that reminds you how a few fresh ingredients, handled right, can carry an entire spread. Bright, creamy, a little p...

A quick, bold salsa with a smoky upgrade and a fresh cilantro option Some recipes don’t need a long story—they just need to deliver. This tomato salsa does exactly that.   It’s the kind of salsa you throw together in minutes but tastes like you put in way more effort. Pantry-friendly crushed tomatoes form the base, while jalapeños bring the heat, garlic adds bite, and Mexican oregano ties everything together with that unmistakable earthy note. The real secret? Letting it rest. Give it 30 minutes in the fridge and everything wakes up—the flavors meld, the heat settles in, and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes like it came straight from your favorite taqueria. If you like a little freshness, fold in some finely minced cilantro right before serving. It brightens everything up and adds that classic finish. And if you’re feeling like taking things up a notch, there’s an easy upgrade waiting for you below—a fire-roasted version that leans smoky, bold, and just a little more irre...