You've heard of Star Wars Day (May 4th) in which fans and novices alike bid each other well by sharing the sentiment "May the 4th be with you". But, we're willing to bet that you haven't heard of what we are now dubbing "Tac-Tober Day"!
October 4th is the day that we celebrate the gift of the TACO. Although this year, October 4th does not fall on our beloved "Taco Tuesday", we are going to make due with the next best alliterative day of the week: Thursday.
The origins of the beloved Mexican staple are not exactly known, but according to Smithsonian.com, the taco may have gotten its start in the silver mines of Mexico where the word "taco" was used to refer to charges they used to excavate the ore. Smithsonian.com estimates the first archival references to tacos as we know them come from the 19th century with one of the first tacos referenced as "the miner's taco" or tacos de minero. The first United States tacos graced us as early as 1905, when Mexican migrants began working in mines and railroads (Smithsonian.com).
But enough with the history lesson, let's get to the MEAT of things! What makes a really good taco, you ask? Well, that's the beauty of tacos, there's so much variety that you could have tacos every night of the week and never get bored! Whether it's hard shell, soft shell or no shell at all, what any good taco recipe must have is a little creativity! Are you one of those people who comes up a little short in the creativity department? Worry not friends, there are a few classic staples that will never steer you astray when it comes to mastering the art of the taco.
One of the most unique tacos we've had is a seaside favorite, known as the "fish taco". If you're not familiar with a fish taco, we encourage you to grab your net and floaties and head to the seashore (why not give yourself an excuse to go to the beach). A fish taco is typically served on a soft-shell corn tortilla, with the fish of your choosing. A personal favorite of ours is shrimp. Layered on top of the fish is a crisp and fresh slaw, also of your choosing. Whether you're a traditional Central Pensylvanian mayo-slaw or more of a old-fashioned pepper-vinegar slaw fan, you cannot go wrong with this pairing to the fish. If your mouth isn't watering just yet, imagine adding just the right amount of hot sauce, veggies and cheese of your fancy. Your taste buds will be surfing the waves of savory.
At our house, taco night is a beloved dinner that our whole family looks forward to. This tradition started as your very standard Taco Tuesday: Ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion powder, paprika and crushed red pepper. Pile on the cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa and sour cream and there you have it - Tuesday nights at home. What our family didn't realize was how versatile the taco could be. Whether we're hosting our vegetarian friends, non-red-meat-eating family members or trying to stick to a ketogenic diet, taco night is the way to go! For more information on tailoring your taco nights to specific dietary restrictions, please consult your physician. This blog post is in no way intended to be substituted for professional dietary and medical advice.
So whether you're ringing those taco bells, consistently hosting your Taco Tuesdays or just learning how to make toast, we encourage you to learn a little bit more about the diversity of tacos and perhaps try something new. We're sure no one in 1905 would have guessed that tacos would be as popular as they are today. We're sure now you'll be able to surprise your friends and family with your taco knowledge and taco making skills this Tac-Tober!
