Do you have a taco dinner in your meal rotation? I have several girlfriends who have this meal in their dinner rotation every week.  I did too when I was growing up. Friday night was always taco night in our house. This week my mom came up with a new Mexican meal for our weekly “Desperately Seeking Dinners” post. Break out of your taco rut, blend up some of the Diet Margaritas posted yesterday, and spice things up with this new Mexican meal below. While you’re enjoying your dinner, throw out a few of these questions and see who wins this edition of Trivial Pursuit.

Cinco de Mayo Trivial Pursuit (answers at the bottom of the post)

1. Can you name three foods that Mexico has given the world?

2. What is the most common ingredient used in Mexican food?

3. What parts of the jalapeno pepper produce heat?

4. What plant does Tequila originate from?

5. What event does Cinco de Mayo commemorate?

Cinco De Mayo Salad

1 bag romaine lettuce

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup corn kernels, frozen and thawed or fresh

1 avacado. diced

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, grated

Honey Lime Dressing

juice of one lime

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1.  Place the first six ingredients in a salad bowl.

2.  In a small bowl whisk remaining ingredients. 

3.  Toss salad with dressing.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cinco de Mayo Chicken

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup olive oil

4 tablespoons chili powder

8 cloves garlic, chopped

3 shallots, chopped

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano of 1/2 teaspoon dried

8 half chicken breasts, skinned and boned

1.  Puree the first 9 ingredients in a blender until smooth.

2.  Place chicken breasts in a Ziplock bag and pour blended mixture over chicken.  Refrigerate overnight.

3.  Drain marinade into small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Simmer on medium for 5 minutes.

4.  Season chicken with salt and pepper.

5.  Grill chicken.  Brush with marinade and serve with remaining marinade.

Trivia Pursuit Answers: 1. chocolate, peanuts, vanilla, coconuts, beans, and tomatoes 2. corn 3. seeds and veins 4. Agave (a cactus-like plant) 5. Cinco de Mayo does not celebrate Mexican Independence Day, but a lesser battle, the Battle of Puebla