Chicken Enchiladas in Peanut and Almond Sauce: Enchiladas en Cacahuate y Almendras

This is a delicious and unique version of enchiladas, reminiscent of the chicken in nut sauces served in Oaxaca and Veracruz. If you can’t find raw peanuts, use the ones that come already roasted in bags, and in that case, do not toast them. If you do use raw peanuts, be sure to remove the […]

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Stewed beef shanks with vegetables: Guisado de chambarete

This is an easy and delicious one-pot meal that can be made ahead and reheated. For a less picante taste, remove the chipotle before blending the cooked ingredients. The weight given for the meat reflects the fact that there is a marrowbone in the center of each piece of shank. The comadre always used epazote in this […]

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Aztec squash blossom quesadillas: Quesadillas de flor de calabaza

In the introduction to her cookbook, Adela Fernandez talks about the flowers that adorned her father’s table and the heavily embroidered tablecloths and napkins, often with flower motifs, that were made especially for his theme meals. The food served often contained flowers, including hibiscus, nasturtium, squash blossoms and colorín, or “bird’s tongue.” This recipe for Aztec squash […]

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Classic corn dough: Masa de maiz

For those who want the experience of turning out the most authentic masa possible, it is necessary to begin with dried hominy kernels and calcium hydroxide — slaked lime — or wood ash. If you do not already have a source for dried kernels, try https://www.waltonfeed.com or go to https://www.nutribase.com/dfm/87.htm for information on contacting the representative of a whole […]

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