Vino de Mayo
¡Viva Vino! That’s our motto this week on the mountain. Cinco de Mayo is upon us, which means it’s time for one of your favorite Bluemont Vineyard celebrations, too -- Vino de Mayo! Since we aren’t able to celebrate together on the mountain this year, we’ve put together some fun ways to celebrate together from the comfort of our homes. So let’s get this Fiesta started, y’all!
First things first, no Vino de Mayo Fiesta is complete without something fun and festive to sip on -- and we’ve got just the thing. It’s time to put those bartending skills to the test with BMV’s Build Your Own Sangria Bar! Whether you’re craving Strawberry Rosé, Summer Peach, Mixed Berry Red, or something completely your own, we’ve got the wine and the mix to get the party started, all you have to do is choose your favorite fixin’s.
Need a little inspiration? Check out our Vino de Mayo Sangria Shopping List to help get the creative juices flowing - pun, most certainly intended! Still seeking a little extra guidance? Never fear, our resident Party Planner, Becca, walks through each of our favorite Sangria concoctions in our April 30th Facebook Live Virtual Tasting (still viewable on our Facebook page).
Alright, our glasses are full - or at least, they will be - time to fill our plates! Chef Corey whipped up some mouth-watering Mojo Chicken & Carnita Street Tacos this past weekend for guests to order to-go, and trust us, they did not disappoint. Fresh ingredients, and just the right blend of flavors and spices are what make this traditional and simple street food a crowd favorite every time.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:
Mojo Chicken
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
¼ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 tsp ground cumin
1 ¼ tsp ancho chili powder
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt & Pepper to taste
8(+) corn tortillas
1 large avocado
1 small red or yellow onion, chopped
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
Add chicken thighs to a gallon size ziplock bag. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and ¾ tsp black pepper. Pour marinade over chicken and seal bag, releasing any trapped air. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill until cooked through, turning over once halfway through (about 5-6 minutes per side). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to let rest for 5 minutes.
Dice grilled chicken into cubes. Slightly toast corn tortillas in a skillet or on the grill. Fill tortillas with chicken, sliced avocado, diced onions, and cilantro. Spritz with fresh lime juice and your favorite hot sauce or salsa. Enjoy!
Carnitas
2 ½ lbs pork shoulder
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 tsp coarse sea salt
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
10(+) corn tortillas
Lime wedges
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro
Sliced, fresh jalapeño
Cut the pork shoulder into large 4-inch pieces & place into a slow cooker. Add lime juice, salt, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the meat with all seasonings.
Cover the slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours. When tender, shred the meat by pulling it apart with two forks. Mix in freshly chopped cilantro.
Slightly toast corn tortillas in a skillet or on the grill. Fill tortillas with shredded pork, diced onion, and cilantro. Spritz each taco with fresh lime juice and top with a slice or two of jalapeño. Dig in!
Alright, y’all, there you have it. Everything you need to get your Vino de Mayo Fiesta started. Drinks - check! Eats - check! Now, all you need are family or friends to join in the fun. Hook up the Zoom or Facetime, turn on some Salsa music, and enjoy - you’ve earned it!
From our family to yours, ¡Feliz Vino de Mayo & Viva la Fiesta!