We tend to think of spicy, Southwestern-inspired cuisine as a perfect match for summery, warm weather, but it can be just as amazing in the fall -- or any other time of the year! I don't know about you, but fresh fruits and veggies, protein-rich beans, and kicked-up spicy meats never fail to make my mouth water! Plus, so many dishes are fast and easy to make and can be super-healthy to boot!

On this week's episode of CafeMom Studios' Dinner Boot Camp, Chef Rene Marquis shows us how to pull together a protein-rich, Southwestern meal that sounds so flavorful, everyone at the table will be more than satisfied! Check it out ...

You know how Salma Hayek is gorgeous and looks immortal, like she drinks the blood of baby unicorns every morning? Well she's finally let us in on her secret to looking so young and spectacular: She eats fat and drinks wine. Yeah, I'll have what she's having! (Says the woman who ate bacon and a whole avocado for lunch today.)

Salma's serious. Here's what she told Harper's BAZAAR: "I am on the limit of chubbiness because I love my food and my wine. It's not the best for fashion, but it's good for my mood." Snort, Salma, you-- chubby? That's hilars. No but really, tell us more.

When you think about dangerous jobs, you think coal miner. Or soldier. Or seaman. But I'm going to add another dangerous career to the list: Food service worker. Customers seem to go into fast food rages on a regular basis, taking out their hunger pains on workers and the establishments themselves. Last week, two men allegedly threw bricks at a McDonald's when their burgers didn't have enough onions. The latest fast food freak-out happened at a Taco Bell in Ohio.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, the holiday that has morphed into an excuse for a big Mexican food-themed party. What an excellent idea. I am all for it. And what do we drink at the Cinco de Mayo fiesta? Margaritas, of course!

We all know about the classic Margarita. But there's dozens of other kinds of Margarita drinks -- and they're actually pretty easy to do at home. Check out these refreshing and festive twists on the Margarita.

When I think of Cinco de Mayo, I think of tequila (hey, just being honest). When I think of tequila, I think of margaritas and shot glasses and salt and limes ... but I don't generally think about cookies.

Or I should say I didn't think about tequila and cookies together, but that was before I tried these bad boys. Sugary, citrus-y tequila cookies are the ultimate treat for Cinco de Mayo (or Quatro de Mayo, or Cinco de Junio, or any day of any month-o, as far as I'm concerned).

They're even really easy to make.

Which is muy bueno, because you might end up sampling some ingredients while you bake and a super challenging recipe might not be the best choice.

While Cinco de Mayo really may be more of a French holiday, for most of us it's just the best excuse ever for a round of margaritas and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. The zest and the spice of the fare makes for one hot holiday, and with the fifth of May falling on a Saturday this year, there's no better time to gather friends and family for a good old fiesta.

Whether your gathering is grande or small, here are some amazing Tex-Mex recipes to consider that will be enjoyed by all.

Buenas tardes everyone, Cinco de Mayo is this Saturday. Time to grill up some fajitas, open up a jar of salsa, pour some Coronas ... But before you trot out the same ol' same ol', why not plan something new?

We've rounded up some Cinco de Mayo deliciousness that will take you a little off the beaten calle. How about a surprising salsa, four flavorful mains, and three spectacular desserts? Here's a whole menu of Cinco de Mayo fiesta ideas you'll love.

Wouldn't it be nice if someone made dinner for you this weekend while you run from the soccer game to baseball practice? That's why we love slow cookers. 

But maybe you're feeling like you're in a slow-cooker rut? Here's a fresh, springy recipe for chipotle beef tacos with a crisp slaw. Make a big batch the family can nosh on all weekend. It's just spicy enough.