Food Fun in the Merry Merry Month of May

Can you believe it’s nearly May already? Winter never really happened this year, and Spring has just flown by. While for most people the summer “season” doesn’t begin until Memorial Day (from 1868-1970 Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30; since 1971 Congress has decreed it be observed on the last Monday in May), for my family the first Saturday in May has always been special – it’s Kentucky Derby Day. While I have never made the pilgrimage to Churchill Downs, my family has long joined in the festivities by enjoying a special feast, then watching race coverage on television, eagerly awaiting the bell that signals the opening of the starting gate and “they’re off!”

More often than not we prepare a variety of appetizers and hors d’oeurves. It’s a nod to the idea of watching the race from the grandstands with food in hand. My wife has absolutely no idea why Kentucky Derby day is important to me, and yet she & I have carved out our own special traditions for Memorial Day & Labor Day. I guess for her, a horserace isn’t cause for celebration. I watch a sum total of three races each year; the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes. I even watch the Belmont when there is no hope for a Triple Crown winner, so I consider myself a loyal viewer!
We do share one horseracing moment, though. Back during our first year as a married couple we lived in a basement apartment. Our landlord lived in the house above us, and sound insulation was apparently never considered during construction. Our landlord was something of a gambler, and often watched the horses on television. He must have had a hot tip and bet a bundle on #7 during one particular race. From our basement abode we heard him as he watched the race, growing ever louder and more excited as the race went on – “come on 7…..faster….come on 7….COME ON 7….COME ON 7…..oh, @#$%!” We assume #7 didn’t win!

I encourage you to create your own special times with your family. Don’t wait for “the season” to begin. Start your own “Ultimate Hamburger” contest during National Hamburger Week (2nd week in May). Take a nurse to dinner on Nurse’s Day (May 6th – my wife is a nurse!). Or enjoy Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).

It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as there’s good food on the table and you enjoy it with family or friends!

My Wife’s Favorite Chicken Nachos (Cinco de Mayo is May 5th)
(For all my culinary training and experience, this is what my wife asks for time and again)
2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
White corn tortilla chips
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 Tbsp minced cilantro
2 scallions, minced
favorite salsa, to taste

In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the chicken breasts. Cook about 5 minutes. Add garlic & lime juice, then turn chicken over. With two forks, begin shredding the chicken as it continues to cook. When all the meat is shredded and fully cooked (no longer pink), remove from heat.
On a microwave-safe plate, make a single layer of tortilla chips. Top with shredded chicken. Add a good handful of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Sprinkle with cilantro & scallions. Finally add a few dollops of your favorite salsa. Microwave on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted. Serves 4-6.