ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996                 TAG: 9605010011
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8    EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES FOOD EDITOR 

CELEBRACION! IT'S CINCO DE MAYO, AND THAT MEANS GOOD FOOD - MEXICAN STYLE

The Mexican national holiday Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. A ragtag group of Mexican soldiers, led by General Ignacio Zaragosa, defeated an illustrious army of French invaders who outnumbered them 3-1.

The French, under orders from Napoleon III, were looking to grab territory to compensate for the loss of Louisiana. But the Mexicans surprised them. Although the victory only stalled the French for a few months, the win endeared General Zaragosa to his countrymen forever. To this day, celebrations in his honor always mean mucho dancing, revelry and food.

You can't go wrong preparing popular standards such as tacos, burritos or enchiladas. Better yet, try some of the following recipes befitting this special day.

Most of the ingredients are readily available at local supermarkets in the gourmet, produce and Mexican food sections. Some items also may be found in Oriental markets. Succulent fresh fruits make a cooling dessert; or try something more elaborate, such as fruit or cake laced with one of Mexico's most popular and surprisingly versatile spirits, tequila.

"Tequila: The Book,'' by Ann and Larry Walker ($10.95, Chronicle Books), showcases the beverage, which is brewed from a distant cousin of the hallucinogenic peyote plant, in more than 40 recipes from appetizers to desserts and drinks. Snippets of tequila legends and lore and Mexican woodcut-style illustrations enhance the book's entertainment.

``Skinny Mexican Cooking,'' by Sue Spitler ($12.95, Surrey Books), helps diners win another battle - of the bulge - while still enjoying more than 100 of their favorite Mexican foods. Spitler points out that in Mexico, dishes usually aren't served with sour cream and guacamole as they are in the United States. Portions are also smaller and rely less on meat, more on vegetables and sauces. She incorporates these factors in her book to naturally lower the recipes' fat and caloric contents.

Whether you'll be marking Zaragosa's victory at home or in one of the valley's several Mexican restaurants, have a feliz (happy) Cinco de Mayo!

recipes for:

CHILE CON QUESO

BAKED TORTILLA CHIPS

SHREDDED BEEF AND BLACK BEANS

CHIPOTLE SAUCE

BLACK BEANS

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

QUESADILLAS WITH MANGO AND CHILIES

TEQUILA OYSTER SHOTS

CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT TEQUILA CAKE

LENGTH: Medium:   58 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. 1. Shredded Beef and Black Beans may become a staple
          in your family menu-planning. 2. Chicken tortilla soup. color.