With preparations for ‘El Grito’ and Central American Independence in full swing, here we bring you the tools and recipes you need to celebrate in proper fashion. Every year on September 15; Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate their independence from Spain. Mexico’s celebration comes on September 16th with El Grito de Dolores. This is the time for for parades, festivals, feasts and the most fun parties of the season. In honor of this momentous occasion IMUSA aims to  make your festivities even more delicious. So grab your margarita, prepare your tortillas, frijoles and guacamole; and enjoy traditional home-cooked, authentic Mexican and Central American meals!

For Guacamole

IMUSA‘s Lava Rock Molcajete gives the home cook everything he or she needs to throw an authentic fiesta or dinner party. Complete with a jumbo molcajete and pestle, the set can be used to create traditional recipes and then used as a beautiful serving piece. Its traditional design makes it perfect for crushing herbs and spices, making salsa or creating a delicious guacamole dish to enjoy with a few chips as an appetizer!($59.99 atMacy’s)

The IMUSA Chef Citrus Juicer is the perfect colorful gadget to keep in your kitchen for squeezing an ice, cold glass of refreshing lemonade on a hot summer day. The sleek, contemporary design provides an easy to use one lever operation when making juice. The sturdy cast base and non-slip rubber feet provide stability when squeezing your favorite citrus fruits. A stainless steel strainer separates seeds and pulp from the juice as it flows into the matching stainless steel cup. Available in yellow, green and orange at Bed Bath & Beyond for $24.99

For Quesadillas

IMUSA‘s Quesadilla Maker cooks up golden brown quesadillas in just 4-5 minutes. Easy to use and efficient, this gadget prepares the popular Mexican dish without any mess. This quesadilla maker features non-stick cooking plates, an excess drip tray, locking lid, as well as ready and heat indicator lights. Available at BedBathandBeyond.com for $29.99

For Empanadas

The IMUSA Empanada Maker makes it easy to whip up a batch of authentic empanadas in minutes! Creating perfectly proportioned crescents, this empanada maker seals the pastry dough, melts fillings and bakes the crust to golden brown, while also allowing for a hands-free gourmet cooking experience and features non-stick cooking plates for easy cleaning. Available at BedBathandBeyond.com for $39.99

For Tortillas, Tostones & Frijoles

The Tortilla Press is an essential tool for all households that love Mexican cuisine. The traditional and durable design of the IMUSA Cast Iron Tortilla Press allows for perfectly pressed homemade tortillas, with just the right thickness and round shape. It’s easy to use – simply insert your dough or ‘masa’ and with one press, a fresh tortilla is ready to grill on a comal or griddle. Available at BedBathandBeyond.com for $29.99

The IMUSA Bamboo Tostonera, made from all-natural, durable bamboo, is ideal for creating deliciously crisp and flavorful tostones right at home. Tostones are crispy fried plantains, popular in Hispanic cuisine as a side dish and appetizer. Used in Latin kitchens since the first toston was created, the tostonera is an essential tool for at-home chefs who want to create authentic dishes without the hassle. Available at BedBathandBeyond.com for $4.99

The IMUSA Caldero is the ‘workhorse’ of any Hispanic kitchen due to its versatility and unique design. The IMUSA Non-Stick Caldero (or ‘cauldron’ in English) has rounded sides, a tight fitting lid, and superior heat distribution. Whether preparing rice, beans, stews or roasts, this cookware will be will your go-to choice. Available at Target $26.99

Recipes

Salsa Verde (makes 5 portions) courtesy of IMUSA

Ingredients:

·         ¼ cup distilled white vinegar

·         2 jalapenos or 1 serrano chile, roughly chopped

·         4 whole garlic cloves, peeled

·         4 dried bay leaves, crumbled

·         ½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

·         ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

·         ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano

·         1 cup olive oil

·         Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Combine the vinegar, jalapenos, garlic and bay leaves in the blender jar and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sleeve into a bowl or Molcajete. Stir in herbs. Pour the olive oil in slowly and steadily, whisking the whole time. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Blood Orange Margarita courtesy of IMUSA

Ingredients:

·         Sea salt

·         2 ounces silver tequila

·         1 ounce fresh lime juice

·         1 ½ ounce fresh blood orange juice

·         1 to 2 teaspoon agave nectar

·         1 orange round, for garnish

Preparation:

Using the IMUSA Citrus Juicer, squeeze the lime and blood orange juices and set aside. Pour some salt onto a small plate. Using the just squeezed lime half and run the wet edge along the rim of your glass. Dip the top of the glass into the salt. Carefully add ice cubes to your glass and set it aside. Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, freshly squeezed lime, blood orange juice and agave nectar. Shake for 15-20 seconds and strain into your glass. Garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy!

For more information visit www.imusa.com