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 Creamy, Zesty Twist on Classic Salsa Verde I love finding fresh ways to elevate classic flavors, and one of my favorite go-to recipes lately is Salsa de Aguacate, also known as Guacamole Salsa. This creamy, zesty sauce has all the bright flavors of traditional salsa verde, but with a smooth avocado twist that takes it to another level! A quick shoutout to my good friend, Chef Everardo Hernandez from La Herencia El Camacho in the Lehigh Valley, PA, for introducing me to his spin on this salsa. Everardo’s kitchen is all about keeping Mexican flavors vibrant and fresh, and his recipe inspired this version that I now can’t stop making!   Recipe: Salsa de Aguacate ( Guacamole Salsa) Ingredients: 3 large tomatillos, husked and rinsed 1-2 jalapeños, depending on your heat preference ½ white onion 2-3 Key limes (or 1 large lime) 2 garlic cloves A generous handful of cilantro 1 large ripe avocado Kosher salt to taste Instructions: 1. Blend the base: Start by blending the tomatillos, jala...