Tag: Mexico;

What Are Some Mexican Soups

If you love soup and you love Mexican food you are in luck. There are many different Mexican soups to discover and try. These would be perfect for special occasions such as Christmas dinners, and also anytime of the year. Some are sweet, while others are hot and spicy. Some are for dinner, while others are deserts. There is a soup that will please anyone!

Cream of Jalapeo soup is perfect for a cold day. It includes ingredients such as avocados, tomatoes, garlic, and of course jalapenos. Even though it calls for jalapenos, the soup isn’t extremely spicy. Another popular Mexican style soup is the Tortilla soup. There are different recipes for the soup, some making the soup creamy. Tortilla soup is a favorite, which is not a surprise. It contains many tasty ingredients. You will find the soup filled with different vegetables, chicken, and of course strips of corn tortillas.

Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup. It is usually full and spice and tripe. Long ago, poverty among the campesinos was common. This meant that when it came to food, they were not picky about what they had. They used just about everything from the cattle. This meant internal organs, brains, tails, hooves, and so on. The stomachs happened to be the lengthiest part of sheep and cattle so was used for the soup. Other foods that are added to this soup include onions, lime juice, oregano, and fresh cilantro.

It takes a long time to cook tripe in order for it to be good enough to eat, so typically Menudo is cooked in large batches and sold on certain days. In the Mexican state of Chihuahua, a soup called Pozole similar to Menudo is made, but uses a meat that is easier to cook. Menudo is so popular in Mexico, that the country gets shipments of tripe from the United States and Canada. This soup is often helps when someone is battling a hangover. It can also be seen served at special occasions.

Vegetables are throughout most of the soups. Pozole soup calls for traditional corn called maiz blanco. It is a large kernelled corn found throughout Mexico. The corn is soaked in a special solution of lime. The soup also includes pork, chilies, onions, and a variety of spices and seasonings. This soup is eaten in both Mexico and also the Southwestern United States, especially the state of New Mexico.

Mexican soups are also for dessert. Atole de Fresa is a strawberry desert soup. It includes milk, masa, cinnamon, and of course strawberries. The soup is usually served warm. Atole de Fresa can be found in Mexican restaurants.

There are so many more soups in Mexican cooking. Some include pumpkins, others include coconut. Before trying to make your own bowl, try a few different types at your local Mexican restaurants. Once you find one that you enjoy, try to make it at home for your family and friends to enjoy. It would be a crowd pleaser at your next party celebration.

What Are Some Mexican Frozen Treats

It can get very hot in Mexico. Mexicans have a variety of cool treats to enjoy. From ice cream sandwiches to popsicles, they have many to choose from. The treats consist of chocolate, cinnamon, and different fruits. Some men even sell the treats up and down the streets similar to in America where you will see ice cream trucks in the summer selling cold snacks.

Popsicles are popular in Mexico. Paletas which mean “little shovels” in Spanish can be found in Mexican grocery stores. They come in regular shapes, but their flavors are what differs them from American popsicles. Some paletas include milk and tropical fruits, while others are full of more ice and more tart flavors. Some flavors that are not very common in America are chili, and cucumber. The chili one is a bit spicy, so pepper lovers would enjoy this flavor. Paletas are easy to make at home and carry little fat. If you would prefer to buy them, paletas are sold at many street vendors in Hispanic neighborhoods. A California-based company named Palapa Azul makes paletas to sell to a much wider market, not just for Hispanics. You might even be able to purchase paletas at Walmart!

Mexican fried ice cream is another mouth watering treat. It is somewhat Americanized. You can find fried ice cream at Mexican restaurants in the United States and also at festivals. The ice cream used is more frozen than majority of ice creams. The ball of ice cream is rolled with different items such as cookie crumbs and then cooked in the deep fryer at a very low temperature. This allows the ice cream not to melt. Once it is fried, toppings can be added. Cinnamon is a common topping. Fried ice cream has become so common that it is also served in Chinese and Japanese restaurants. They add different flavors to the ice cream. You might find it green tea flavored.

If in the mood for just regular vanilla ice cream, cajeta would be a great topping. Cajeta is a Mexican confection of syrup most commonly made from caramelized milk that is sweetened. The syrup is made by the sweetened liquid being cooked slowly and breaking down until it is very thick. Some people use different liquids instead of sweetened milk. You might find cajeta made with juice or a different sweetened liquid. Different parts of Mexico may know the milk candy by different names such as leche quemada and dulce de leche. It is topped on ice cream. Even the Hershey Company produces cajeta which is targeted for Mexican food lovers. Cajeta is a great addition to ice cream, especially on a hot day in Mexico.

These cool treats are easy to make from your own home. Do some research on the different flavors and try to make a few. If you have a child, have some fun and both make them together and of course eat the finished treat. These are perfect on a warm day, but can still be enjoyable anytime of the year.

What Are Some Mexican Cookies

Special occasions call for special treats. There is quite a variety of Mexican cookies. Some are for anytime, while others are made at celebrations. Some are served at holidays while others are found at weddings. Whatever the time, they are sure to make anyone’s mouth water with the sweet aromas and delicious tastes.

Wedding Cake cookies are traditional Mexican cookies. They are made out of shortbread. Some of the ingredients include different nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans that are ground. These cookies are very popular. They are served around Christmas, but also at Mexican weddings and anniversaries. Throughout the world, there are different variations of these cookies. Russia and Sweden refer to the cookie as Tea Cakes.

Biscochitos is another popular cookie in Mexico. It originated in Spain. When the Spaniards came to Mexico, they also brought the cookie. They are made with anise seeds and sprinkled with cinnamon. Depending on the maker, some of these cookies include different ingredients. You might find some biscochitos with orange juice and wine taste for added flavor. The cookies are cut with cookie cutters or made into diamond shapes. Some people even drink wine while eating them.

Marranitos is a cookie with different names. It is also called cochinos or puerquitos in different Mexican-American communities. It is known as “gingerbread pigs” even though there is no ginger in the cookie. The cookie is shaped like a pig. Traditional marranitos get their spicy flavor from molasses. In Mexico, the bakers make their own molasses syrup by taking brown sugar and placing it into cones. It is then boiled with the right amount of water. Once it has turned into the syrup it is then added to the dough for the little pigs. The cookie is very moist and rich in taste with a flaky top.

Originating from Spain, Churros are tasty fried cookies that are seen in both Mexico and other countries. It is made from a light paste that is sweetened. The paste is piped into oil and fried until golden brown. Cinnamon is added to make it taste even sweeter. Churros are best when eaten warm. It is typical to find street vendors selling Churros. They can make them fresh right on the street. Year ago, it used to be hard to find Churros outside of Hispanic areas, it used to be only sold at carnivals, and sporting events, but with the popularity of Latin food, it is now easy to find Churros in local restaurants and Mexican grocery stores. Some companies even offer the Churros that have an inner filling. You can find different flavors such as strawberry, apple, and chocolate. Churros are enjoyed in the United States by consumers of all nationalities.

There are many types of Mexican cookie recipes. If you are new to these types, you might want to visit a local Mexican grocery store and try a few that are fresh from their bakery. Once you enjoy them, you will want to include them for your own celebrations. These cookies would be a hit at any party!

What Are Some Mexican Chilies

Chilies are popular in many countries, but Mexico enjoys them the most. Chilies have been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in Mexican dishes. There are about 140 different types of chilies grown in Mexico. People tend to shy away from chilies because of their powerful heat when eaten, but not all chilies are unbearable to many.

Chile peppers are known as being a vegetable, but they are actually a fruit. They contain high amounts of vitamins as well as iron and fiber. There are many types of flavors available. Since regions in Mexico vary, so does the chile peppers and food dishes. Chile peppers come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. They also come in different amounts of hotness. A good way to tell the strength of the heat is by the size of the chile pepper. The smaller the pepper, the more it will pack a punch of heat.

Chiles are the main ingredients for salsa. The salsa will vary in hotness depending on which peppers are used. Chile peppers also can be used as a meat rub to add flavor.
With so many peppers to choose from, do some research before adding them to your meals. Some types of peppers include Jalapeo. They turn from green to dark purple, and finally to red when they are ripe. They are very hot and a good choice for salsa. They are the most well known pepper. Habanero peppers are the hottest of all. They are orange in color, but look similar to sweet green peppers, only smaller. They are also used in salsa. Poblano peppers are the biggest peppers used in Mexican food. They can be mild or hot and are often used in a sauce. Ancho peppers are dried Poblano peppers. They carry a mild flavor and are reddish-brown in color. Ancho peppers are the most common chile peppers used and commonly found in sauces.

Another pepper that is found in Mexican cuisine is the Fresno pepper. It looks like a smaller version of a sweet green pepper. You can find them in guacamole and also in dishes that include black beans. Chipotle peppers are another pepper found in Mexico. It is gaining popularity in the United States. It is actually Jalapeno peppers that are dried by being smoked. They add a smoky flavor to dishes. One other pepper is the Serrano. They are bright green in color with a very spicy hot taste. They are often used in salsa.

You can find dishes using different chiles such as chilate. Chilate is a drink that includes chile peppers, chocolate, and toasted ground corn with water. Another food is Chilis en nogada. It consists of green peppers that are stuffed and fried and covered with cream and pomegranate seeds.

You will be able to find many recipes which include chile peppers. Remember that when handling and cutting the peppers, use gloves because the heat of the pepper can bother your skin and throat. Also try all you can to not rub your eyes. Enjoy experimenting with different Mexican cuisine and have fun while doing it!

What Are Some La Quinceanera Foods

La Quinceanera is a celebration that takes place on a Hispanic girl’s fifteenth Birthday. This is a big event for the young girl and her family. Families are known to save money for the big party. The party involves the girl wearing a special gown usually in the colors of white or pale pink. Music, catered food, and even limousines are common for the event. La Quinceanera is also a spiritual celebration. La Quinceanera is celebrated in Mexico and other South American countries. This celebration signifies the girl’s journey into womanhood.

Food is part of the big celebration. Usually the party is catered so the food may vary from each catering service. This event has been compared to weddings, since it has similarities. This event usually has a fancy cake. The cake is either made by a family member or ordered at from a local bakery. It is usually the same color as the rest of the party decorations. There is also a doll placed at the top. It almost looks similar to a wedding cake. A popular design for La Quinceanera cakes is one that has a staircase that goes from tier to tier. Fourteen dolls, seven on each side, are placed as if they are climbing to the top, where the main Quinceanera doll is. Some cakes even have a fountain that cascades amongst the tiers. Besides cake, other foods that are seen at La Quinceanera include mole, cabrito, arroz, picadillo, and pan de polvo.

Picadillo is a dish that is made with ground beef and can be served alone. It is also a filling that can be used in tamales, and tacos. Cabrito is a roasted goat kid that is about three months of age. It is a regional specialty of the city Monterrey, in Mexico. Cabrito can be served as the main meat for the dinner. Mole is a chocolate sauce that can be added to many different dishes. As for desserts, Arroz is a rich and creamy rice pudding that can often be found at the event. Pan de polvo is also a favorite dessert at the party. It is Mexican shortbread cookies. The cookies contain cinnamon and anise. Party favors are also given to the quests. These may include treats inside of the favors. Mints are popular as they are in wedding favors.

Champagne is served for the toast. Non-alcoholic beverages such as sparkling soda water are served for the under-aged attendees. Sometimes it is encouraged that the young girl tries the alcohol as another rite of passage. Other drinks that are served at the Quinceanera are wine, beer, and hard liquor. These are typical drinks that you would find at wedding receptions.

La Quinceanera has been a celebration for more than 400 years, starting in Latin America. It is a celebration that even United States born Hispanics do, which reminds them on their heritage. It is a time to reflect, while getting a bit teary-eyed, and looking forward to the future. Food at the La Quinceanera is important. These foods are traditional and unique. They add flavor to the already happy event.