History of Taco Day

It is not known exactly when this tasty food originated, but tacos themselves seem to have been around for a long time. They were first referenced by their current name at the end of the 19th century, but the conquistador Cortez mentioned a meal prepared with tortillas as far back as 1520!

Back in those days, this would have been referring to a type of soft wheat or corn tortillas. Hard taco shells are a much more recent innovation. Of course, as Americans got their hands on this delicious food, it has evolved, morphed, and grown into something that is less of a food and more of an institution! And that’s why Taco Day was created. To celebrate the grand institution of the taco.

While some people may find themselves celebrating this tasty Mexican dish every week on Taco Tuesday, this is a special Taco Day that only comes around once a year. So get ready to celebrate and enjoy the beauty and flavor of the taco!

Try a Unique Take on Tacos

While most people have a basic idea of what a taco would normally be like, the sky’s the limit when it comes to getting creative with this form of cuisine! As long as it comes in a little pocket, almost anything can become a taco. Try out these unique taco recipes to insert a bit more pizazz into Taco Day:

• Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Tacos. Taking it from south of the border to over in the pacific, this fusion taco recipe is amazing. Huli Huli is a kind of chicken that is grilled over mesquite barbeque and basted with pineapple juice, soy sauce and fresh ginger. Add a salsa made from pineapple, mango and avocado, and this taco is absolutely to die for.
• Shrimp Tacos with Mango Habanero Salsa. The heat of the habanero pepper combines with the fruity sweetness of the mango to create a balance that will bring tears to the eyes. Plus, simmering red onions in a bit of vinegar creates a pickled flavor that brings everything together.
• Chicken Cabbage Potato Tacos with Apple Pico de Gallo. Another rather unique one, this one pulls in those random ingredients left in the kitchen and makes them into something absolutely wonderful.
• Irish Guiness Tacos. Where would the Irish be without their beer? The pork in this taco is braised with Guiness, bringing out the deep flavors. Add a bit of lime zest and some crema, and this Irish/Mexican fusion is ready to go.

Finish Things Off with Dessert Tacos

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little sweetness to the end of a meal. People have used all kinds of different ingredients to morph this dish into something dessert-worthy.

Consider these delicious ideas for dessert tacos:

• Apple Pie Tacos. Take an all-American dessert like Apple Pie and put it in a Mexican taco? Yes, please! Regular flour tortillas are deep fried into a taco shape and then dipped in a cinnamon sugar concoction. Fill them with apple pie filling and top with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
• Brown Butter Crepe Choco Tacos. Turn those crepes (made with browned butter) into taco shells by draping them over a taco rack. Allow to cool and fill them with all kinds of deliciousness, such as chocolate ice cream and nutella.
• Sugar Cookie Fruit Tacos. Folded just slightly, large sugar cookies make the perfect “shell” for a dessert taco. Add chopped fruit, such as strawberries and kiwi, and top with sweetened whipped cream. This is a delightful summer treat!
• Waffle Cone Choco Tacos. Make mini waffles into taco shapes instead of cones. Fill with homemade ice cream or frozen custard, and dip into chocolate. Freeze for 20-30 minutes before serving.

For More great ideas on how to Celebrate Taco Day click here!