Archive for April, 2009

Margarita Drink

Margarita (CC photo by Food Colors)
Margaritas…who can say that doesn’t know this drink? They are considered one of the most famous cocktails representavives of Mexico. Everybody knows this drink and the stories behind it about its origin, the possible reason why it was called Margarita, and the similarities with the flower that is name the [...]

Mexican Tamales

Tamales (CC photo by Suzanne Barbezat)
Tamales are definitely considered a classic Mexican Dish, handed down from generations of long ago and still an important part of the daily diet of many Mexican families.  The name tamal comes from the word in Nahuatl “tamalli,” which means “wrapped.” It is not surprising to find a guy selling [...]

Salsa de Aguacate (Avocado Salsa)

Ingredients:

2-3 Large Avocados
3 Cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 onion, halved again
4-7 Habanero Chile Peppers*
3-4 Limes, quartered and juiced
Salt to taste
Water as necessary

*The number of peppers depends on how spicy you want it. I prefer about 7 chiles. Remember, it’s a hot salsa with avocado, not guacamole!
Directions:
In a small pan, roast the habanero peppers over medium-high heat. Turn [...]

Traditional Champurrado (Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate)

Champurrado (CC photo by digitalramble courtesy of Flickr)
Ingredients:

2 Cups Masa (Nixtamalized maize dough) or Masa Harina (Mexican Corn Flour)
4 Quarts water*
3 Cinnamon Sticks
2 Large Piloncillo Cones (about 6 Ounces each) or 1 1/2 Cups Dark Brown Sugar + 2 Teaspoons Molasses
2 Large Tablets of Nestle “Abuelita” Chocolate (from the 540 gram box)
2/3 Cup “Nesquick” Chocolate-Flavored [...]

Tlayuda Oaxaqueña (Mexican Pizza)

Tlayuda (CC photo by ikuya courtesy of Flickr)
The Tlayuda, (sometimes mistakenly called “Clayuda”) originates specifically in the central valley regions of Oaxaca State. An age-old local specialty, tlayuda refers to the large, unique type of corn tortilla that’s native to central Oaxaca as well as to the dish using this same type of tortilla but [...]

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise (CC photo by Ankale courtesy of Flickr)
Yes! A Tequila Sunrise…who can deny that this drink looks so refreshing and delicious! It’s no wonder that this drink inspired songwriter Glen Frey of The Eagles (one of my favorite bands) to name one of his classics “Tequila Sunrise” because, as the story goes, he had [...]

Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor (CC photo by tychenyt courtesy of Flickr)
No doubt about it, Tacos al Pastor is another delicious feature of popular Mexican Food. If you find yourself in central Mexico, specifically in the state of Morelos, you’ll encounter tacos al pastor in pretty much every taqueria (taco shop) you come across. Maybe we’re biased, [...]

Mole Poblano

Although the roots of mole can be traced back to pre-Columbian times, the modern-day version is apparently based on a dish created in a convent in Puebla, Mexico back in the 17th century. Various stories have been offered to explain how Mole Poblano actually came into existence, but one thing is for sure – Mole [...]

Frijoles Negros (Black Beans)

Frijoles Negros (black beans) are an integral part of Mexican Cuisine, accompanying a wide variety of main dishes. The secret to great beans lies in adding Epazote. Epazote is also known as Mexican tea and wormseed, and many say that it’s an acquired taste. It’s a pungent, wild herb that has a strong, acidic, almost [...]