ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, April 23, 1997              TAG: 9704230015
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8    EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES THE ROANOKE TIMES 

A MONTH WORTH CELEBRATIONWHETHER YOU'RE CELEBRATING THE RUN FOR THE ROSES, MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE OR SOMEOTHER MAY MILESTONE, THERE ARE PLENTY OF FESTIVE FOODS FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE.

THE WEEKS AHEAD promise some interesting food experiences in various parts of the country.

Mostly out West, people will make much ado about Cinco de Mayo, which in Spanish means the Fifth of May.

On that day in 1862, Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza fought the battle of Puebla against the invading French forces of Napoleon III. Despite being outnumbered three to one, Zaragoza's troops won.

Out West, celebrations will include festivals, parades and mariachi bands. In Roanoke, you can mark the occasion with the inclusion of some Mexican food on your menu.

Also in May - on May 3, to be precise - the running of the 123rd Kentucky Derby will take place in Louisville, Ky. An American tradition, the Derby is attended by more than 130,000 spectators yearly and watched on TV by millions more. Traditional Derby foods include biscuits, grits and a meaty burgoo - or stew. And it wouldn't be a Derby without mint juleps.

In Maryland and neighboring states, around the beginning of May, blue crabs will emerge from their hard shells worn during winter hibernation. The result: tender, almost entirely edible soft shell crabs, which remain in season until December. The quick-cooking delicacies lend themselves with equal ease to frying, grilling, broiling or sauteing.

Plan now to have a little fun with food in May.

Recipes for:

VEGETARIAN CHILAQUILES

COOKIE TACOS

LENGTH: Short :   43 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  This culinary array for Derby Day includes Kentucky 
          Derby turkey hash and lacy batty cakes, along with mint juleps, 
          freshly squeezed lemonade and strawberries topped with whipped 
          cream. color.