Ingredients: 2 bunches dried corn husks or a package of banana leaves cut into 24 rectangles, 8″ x 12″ 1 pound lard or vegetable shortening 2 1/4 pounds fresh masa or masa prepared with masa harina 1 1/2 cups water or broth 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon baking powder Filling of your choice (see […]
Continue ReadingPilar Cabrera, chef, cooking instructor and, most recently, participant in Iron Chef Canada, shares this recipe with Mexconnect readers. Ingredients 250 grams (about ½ pound) of organic lettuce 80 grams (about 3 ounces) chile pasilla toasted (see note, below) 80 grams (about 3 ounces) of julienned tortilla strips, fried in oil 8 pieces of Oaxaca cheese 8 cherry tomatoes […]
Continue ReadingThe hot corn beverage called atole is usually served in the morning, but in Michoacan this tamarind version is served at night, usually after the late evening meal, in small cups. Dark brown sugar may be substituted for the piloncillo. 2 ½ cups water ½ cup tamarind paste ¾ cups grated piloncillo 3 ½ tablespoons masa harina ¾ cup hot […]
Continue ReadingJalapeño adds some zip to this healthy Mexican carrot salad. I like to serve it with enchiladas in green sauce, such as enchiladas suizas, where it is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish, and makes an attractive color contrast. Ingredients 1 pound carrots, washed, peeled and grated 1 fresh jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded and […]
Continue ReadingWhen using lentils in a salad, it is important not to overcook them. The brown lentils typically available in Mexico retain their shape better than other varieties. Ingredients 1 cup lentils 1 ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup chopped scallions 3 tablespoons cilantro ½ teaspoon […]
Continue ReadingOne of the reasons I like using sweet potatoes in dessert is that it really makes for a guilt-free experience when their nutritional properties are considered. Not many other dessert ingredients can claim such high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. This flan keeps well for up to two days in the refrigerator, making it a […]
Continue ReadingOne of the most famous street snacks of Veracruz, this puff pastry empanada is flavored with the classic Spanish combination of raisins and olives, with the distinctly Veracruz touch of pickled jalapeños. I think of it as a fish picadillo. You can use any leftover cooked fish, flaked, in place of tuna. If you live in a […]
Continue ReadingHere Mexico’s favorite fruit combines with its favorite dessert. Sliced mango, shaved chocolate, and shredded coconut are all attractive options for garnishing this dessert. Make the mango puree by putting a sliced, peeled fresh mango in the blender or food processor. Ingredients 1 ½ cups sugar 6 eggs 2 egg yolks 2 ½ cups milk […]
Continue ReadingChiapas style beef with cabbage is quick, easy, inexpensive and satisfying. And did I say versatile? It can be served with rice, used as a filling for stuffed chiles, or a topping for tostadas. Adapted from Essential Cuisines of Mexico by Diana Kennedy. Ingredients 1 pound lean ground beef 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black […]
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The Canadian author and Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro said that “The constant happiness is curiosity.” If this is the case, then chef and cookbook writer David Sterling must have taken great joy in putting this book together, for it reflects tireless research that was surely driven by an intense desire to learn as much […]
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