The ceramic version of New York’s iconic
paper coffee cup. Photo courtesy
TheLibraryShop.org.

A long retired executive, Leslie Buck was 87. But almost a half-century ago, in 1963, the sales manager for the Sherri Cup Company of Kensington, Connecticut, designed the Anthora paper cup (an erroneous reference to the Greek amphora vase).

Mr. Buck’s company wanted a piece of New York’s hot-cup market. Since many of New York City’s diners were owned by Greeks, he designed a cup with classic Greek elements, using the colors of the Greek flag. Although he had no formal art training, he executed the design himself.

While the photo depicts the front/back design, the sides have a drawing of an amphora, a two-handled ceramic vase with a long, narrow neck. (Imitators replaced the amphora with fluted columns and discus throwers.)

It was an instant success with diner and coffee shop owners.

Since then, hundreds of millions of cups have held the take-out coffee and tea of many in need of a hot beverage and some caffeine. You can purchase a ceramic version of the “NYC Coffee Cup” for $13.95.

There are so many different types of salsa. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, branch out and serve some new varieties.

Set up a salsa-and-chips bar—different types of salsa, different brands and flavors of chips. It’s a fun way to enjoy good food and to see which you like best. You can have a tasting of Mexican beers as well.

Not all salsas are Mexican in origin; chimichurri, from Argentina, is the leading condiment there and in neighboring Uruguay.

What’s the difference between chimichurri and Mexican salsa? All is explained in the Salsa Glossary.

While you’re at it, check out the history of salsa.

Mango salsa, for those who like sweet heat.
Photo courtesy of Cazadores Tequila.

Try Biscoffee with your morning cup of
Joe. Photo courtesy Biscoffee.

• The makers of Biscoffee have enhanced a classic Scottish shortbread recipe with ground organic and Fair Trade coffee beans to the mix to make “real shortbread created with real coffee for real coffee lovers.” Enjoy them for dessert with ice cream or as a snack.
• Don’t like coffee? Not a coffee drinker? Not to worry. The prize also includes Biscottea shortbread cookies baked with organic teas. Though the buttery shortbread cookies can be eaten any way you like, it’s fun to pair your Earl Gray tea with Earl Gray Biscottea or your mint tea with mint Biscottea. There are five varieties.
• Our second prize is an assortment of gluten-free Biscottea. It’s still great shortbread, it’s just made a little differently. No one will know it’s gluten-free! Read our reviews of both Biscoffee and Biscottea, NIBBLE Top Picks Of The Week.

• THE PRIZE: One winner will receive all the flavors of Biscottea and Biscoffee gourmet shortbread. A second winner will receive an assortment of all the gluten-free Biscottea varieties, to enjoy or share with a gluten-sensitive friend. Approximate retail value: $50 each.
• To Enter This Gourmet Giveaway: Go to the box at the bottom of our Cookies, Brownies & Bars Section and enter your email address for the prize drawing. This contest closes on Monday, May 10th at noon, Eastern Time. Good luck!
• Learn more about Biscoffee and Biscottea at Biscottea.net.

What does cranberry juice have to do with Mexican cuisine? Nothing: There are no cranberry bogs in Mexico.

But in the name of fusion, you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Frozen Cranberry Margarita. It uses antioxidant-packed unsweetened cranberry juice as a healthy mixer:
 
FROZEN CRANBERRY MARGARITA RECIPE

Ingredients

 
Preparation

Frozen Cranberry Margarita photo and recipe courtesy USCranberries.com.

2. BLEND until smooth. Garnish if desired. Serve immediately.

[1] A BLT wrap (photo © National Pork Board).

If you think you can’t make a traditionalwrap sandwich, roll a cone (photo © Tumaro’s Tortillas).

If you buy your lunch, you may buy wrap sandwiches—easy to eat and fun. But do you make them at home?

If you’re still wedded to two slices of bread, try wraps instead for Cinco de Mayo.

When you see how easy they are to make, they may become a permanent addition to your menu.

Here’s a diagram of how to fold a wrap sandwich.
 
 
WRAP SANDWICHES FOR EVERY DAY

We enjoy using colorful tortillas to wrap our sandwiches.

1. Spread the wrap with a teaspoon of your favorite condiment.

2. Add your favorite sandwich fillings: thin slices of your favorite meats and cheeses, grilled vegetables and mozzarella, tuna salad, etc.

3. Roll up the tortillas, jelly-roll style, and cut them into halves or thirds.
 
 
DESSERT WRAP SANDWICHES

You can also make dessert wraps (think bananas, pecan and caramel sauce; berries, ricotta and chocolate chips; fruit, coconut and custard).

For fun, you can set up a DIY bar and let everyone create their own dessert wraps.
 
 
CONE SANDWICHES

You can roll the wraps more like cones, and serve them as in photo #2. All you need are shot glasses, other small glasses, or a cone holder.
 
 
> Learn about Tumaro’s Tortillas, our favorite brand (kosher, too).
 
 
> The history of the sandwich.