Refreshing Mexican lime leaf drink: Agua con hojas de limon

Since lime trees are so abundant in central and southern México, it’s no surprise that good use is made of the leaves as well as the fruit. The following agua, or fruit drink, is probably one of the cheapest and best drinks in the country and perfect for anyone with access to a lime tree. The amount […]

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Smoked Chile Conserves: Chipocludos

This conserve, also called chipotles a la poblana, has a tantalizing hot-and-sweet flavor, and should not be confused with chipotles adobados, to which it bears little resemblance. This recipe is from Mexican chef Estela Salas Silva of the Mexican Home Cooking school and was passed on to her by her grandmother, a traditional Puebla cook. Serve chipocludos as an accompaniment to […]

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Cheese Baked in Toasted Avocado Leaves: Queso Fresco al Horno

This easy and delicious botana, or snack, is good with before-dinner drinks and on the buffet table. If using very fresh queso fresco, place it over a colander to drain off the whey before baking. Mexican criollo avocado leaves are available in Latin markets. Ingredients: 1 round of queso fresco or goat cheese, about 4″ in diameter 1 […]

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Bread pudding souffle with cinnamon syrup and nuts: Caballeros ricos o capirotada

2 cups milk 3 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 small or 1 large loaf stale French bread, sliced into ¾ inch thick rounds 6 eggs 2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 cone piloncillo, chopped (or substitute 1 cup brown sugar) 2 whole cloves 10 3-inch sticks canela (Also known as Mexican cinnamon, or […]

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Mexican shrimp and jicama salad: Ensalada de camarones con jicama

Mexican shrimp and jicama salad is typical of the Pacific coast region of Mexico. It can be served alone as an appetizer or as a light luncheon dish with a cream soup and French bread or bolillos. Ingredients 1 pound freshly cooked and peeled small shrimp 2 jicamas, peeled and shredded 1 fresh jalapeno chile, seeded […]

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Onions stuffed with Mexican chorizo and potatoes: Cebollas rellenas con chorizo y papas

The elements of chorizo, potatoes and onions, a classic Mexican dish for any meal at all, come together in this recipe, which makes a nice, simple dinner. All that’s needed to accompany it is a salad. A nopal salad is especially good with this Mexican chorizo and potatoes dish. Ingredients 4 medium red or white […]

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Mexican quinoa vegetable soup: Sopa de quinoa y verduras

I like this Mexican quinoa vegetable soup with homemade chicken stock, but vegetable stock works well, too. The chopped cilantro, avocado and queso fresco garnishes should not be overlooked. Ingredients ½ cup raw quinoa 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ½ cups chopped onion 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 cup diced potato 1 cup chopped […]

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Mexican chipotle almonds: Almendras al chipotle

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 dried mango, but this is closer to the Mexican original. Ingredients ¾ tablespoon chipotle chile powder, or more to taste 1 ½ tablespoons sugar 1 […]

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Mexican mini tostadas with spiced tomato confit: Tostadas de tinga vegetariana

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 with a tangy tomato topping. Leaving the charred, roasted skin on the tomatoes is characteristic of Central Mexican cooking, and adds a […]

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