Tamales de elote © Daniel Wheeler, 2008

Los Tamales: Five Hundred Years at the Heart of the Fiesta

Mexico is the land of fiestas, and never more than during the month of December, when the feasts are so many that they overlap by several days. Starting on December 3, the beginning of the nine-day tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and continuing through until January 6, Three Kings Day, there is non-stop celebration. In addition […]

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A nativity scene represents the first Christmas in one of Guadalajara's four main plazas. © Daniel Wheeler 2009

Mexican Christmas menu ideas: Posadas, Noche Buena, Navidad

In Mexico, the Christmas season is a month-long fiesta, starting with the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th, and continuing through the posadas, Noche Buena and Navidad, right up to the Three Kings Day on January 6th. During this celebratory month, preparing seasonal dishes is an important part of the festivities, with […]

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Walnut Soup. Credit: Tony Burton

Cream of walnut soup: Crema de nuez

Walnuts, used famously in the classic chiles en nogada, are grown in central Mexico. This soup is reminiscent of the nogada sauce and looks nice garnished with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley and, if available, pomegranate seeds. It is important that a good homemade stock is used. Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour 8 cups good, homemade […]

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Mexican beet and mango salad © Karen Hursh Graber, 2013

Mexican beet and mango salad: Ensalada de betabel y mango

A lightly dressed summer salad, Mexican beet and mango salad is good with grilled chicken or fish. Make sure to use mangos that are not overripe, so that they keep their shape when cubed. Ingredients 4 large beets, steamed or roasted, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes 2 firm, ripe mangos, peeled and cut into ½ […]

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A good way to get the seed out of the avocado without much effort is by letting the blade of a knife fall into it and twisting to release the seed from the creamy pulp. © Daniel Wheeler, 2009

Avocado soup with tequila: Sopa de aguacate con tequila

This cream of avocado soup uses tequila in place of the traditional sherry. It is a refreshing first course or, served with a salad, a light spring or summer lunch. The ingredients should be well-chilled before the soup is blended. Ingredients 4 medium Haas avocados, cut in half, pits removed, and pulp scooped out 3 […]

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Huazontle with onions and cumin © Daniel Wheeler, 2010

Cumin flavored Mexican huazontle with onions

Cumin flavored Mexican huazontle with onions: Huazontle con cebollas y comino This is a quick and easy side dish, a flavorful accompaniment to simple grilled or roasted meat or poultry. The recipe is adapted from 1,000 Mexican Recipes by Marge Poore. Ingredients 1 pound huazontle bud clusters (the tops, with stems and leaves removed) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 […]

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