While perusing the extensive produce section of a nearby Latino grocery store, I was impressed with the beautiful pyramid of magenta prickly pear cactus fruit. I went home and googled prickly pear. I discovered that this cactus, a true cactus, is the
Opuntia, native to the Western hemisphere. The paddles as well as the fruit are eaten (I see those sold as
nopales). I've seen the fruit and even had uncomfortable encounters with them in the wilds of coastal Georgia (of all places). But what the heck do you do them? I came up with lots of hits for jams, candies, lemonade and even pie. And... bingo: margaritas! Cinco de Mayo is a perfect excuse to make and consume tequila, and Prickly Pear Margaritas would make it a real celebration.
