Horchata is one of the most common table drinks in Mexico, usually served in pitchers to accompany the main meal, and is classified as an agua, like many Mexican fruit drinks. In some areas, horchata i... read more

Tres leches cake, one of the all-time Mexican favorite desserts, is so named because it is made with three kinds of milk. Sweetened condensed milk has been around since the 1800s, when it was developed... read more

In addition to the west coast of Mexico, Peru and Colombia also claim these sweets as their own, an indication that perhaps they followed the Pacific route of the ceviche. In any case, the coconut sweets known as cocadas are Colima's signature candy. read more

This is not the classic margarita, but it's a great summer blender drink that can be made in quantity. Try this frozen margarita with strawberries instead of mangos. Ingredients 10 ounces froze... read more

Mexican jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and smoked fish are a wonderful botana adapted from Susana Trilling's Oaxaca cookbook, Seasons of My Heart. Just be sure to use the pickled jalapeños and n... read more

These mini tostadas with spiced tomato confit are based on the classic Puebla spiced tomato dish, but made without the chicken or chorizo, so vegetarian guests can munch happily on the mini tostadas wi... read more

Nuts and cocktails are a no-brainer combination, and these chipotle almonds go well with the frozen mango margaritas. There are several recipes for these, some adding powdered cocoa or even powdered dr... read more

Called chispas, chispitas, or in some places just the English "sprinkles," these colored decorations are fun and festive. They add pizzaz to that favorite Mexican cake — pastel de tres leches. Ingre... read more

No kids' party in Mexico would be complete without a gelatin, and this one is so easy and attractive. It really does look like sparkling mosaic tiles set in a background of white, and is just like the ... read more

Miniature torta rolls or any small water rolls work well for these mini chicken tortas. Refried beans, tomatoes and avocados are always found on tortas, but either ham or Oaxaca cheese is an easy subst... read more

Here's a creamy texture without dairy. These delicious Mexican avocado ice pops are adapted from My Sweet Mexico by Fany Gerson. Ingredients 1 cup water ½ cup sugar 2 small, ripe avo... read more

This Mexican avocado lime pie is something like a creamy version of key lime pie, but with the nutritional value of avocados. Ingredients 1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker pie crust 1 cup a... read more

This recipe for Mexican avocado ice cream is simplicity itself, and can be served as a softie ice cream or frozen longer for a firmer, more scoop-able version. Ingredients Pulp of 3 medium avoc... read more

This is a basic recipe for a Mexican avocado smoothie. Feel free to add banana, strawberries, or even apple, and to substitute soy milk for regular milk. It's a great way to start the day with the gene... read more

Pieces of firm-fleshed fish can be prepared this way, too, perfect for fish tacos. Batter fried shrimp (camarones rebozados) is much lighter and fluffier than breaded fried shrimp (camarones empanizado... read more

The secret to the sweetness of Mexican shrimp cocktails, which can become addictive, is the unlikely addition of orange soda. I didn't believe it until I tried making the sauce myself. Bufalo and Valen... read more

What better recipes to accompany a still from the 1944 film Pasión Jarocho, or "Veracruz Passion?" This classic regional dish goes perfectly with the story of lovers in a small Mexican fishing village who seem destined to be kept apart by rumors and jealousy. read more

From Tuxpan, Jalisco, this dish is traditionally eaten in a clay bowl called a plato cuachalero, but it can be served in any kind of soup bowl. read more

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 mad... read more

This soup makes use of the zucchini squash and corn that abound in Mexican milpas and gardens north of the border in late summer. If fresh amaranth leaves are not available, use small, tender spinach l... read more

In the Nahuatl language of the indigenous people of Central Mexico, the word for mushroom is the same as the word for meat, a testament to the mushroom's protein content and meaty texture. Use a variet... read more

This variation of the classic arroz con leche is served in Zimatlan, Oaxaca, one of the largest amaranth-producing areas in Mexico. The addition of popped amaranth grains adds nutrients as well ... read more

Just the aroma of fresh guavas is enough to inspire visions of lolling in a hammock in some tropical hideaway. Guavas have seed sacs nearly identical-looking to those found in tomatoes, and they are re... read more

In addition to being served in Mexican homes during the Christmas and New Year holiday season, hot ponche is sold at night by street vendors who ladle it out from steaming cylindrical vats. read more

Guavas, being so plentiful in Aguascalientes, are used in several desserts. A common combination in Mexico is ate, a paste made with guava, quince, pears or other fruit, and cream cheese, served toge... read more