Irene’s Lab – My Slice of Mexico

A Sweet Flashback – Chocoflan

April 16, 2021April 23, 2021by Irene21 Comments

I shared this recipe exactly a year ago, during the first COVID19 lockdown in Canada, when we all had a sudden time surplus at home, and many took as an opportunity to bake. Currently Canada is going through its third (and worst) COVID19 wave, registering record daily numbers of new cases, particularly in intensive care units. As a result, more restrictions on shopping, gathering and travelling are likely to become precepts in several provinces as of this weekend; I thought re-posting this recipe might provide some distraction and solace, and another chance to bake this interesting dessert while isolating at home … click on title for more

Desserts, Ingredients, Irene's Lab, pan dulce

Mantecadas – The Mexican Muffin

July 5, 2020December 7, 2021by Irene39 Comments

Mantecadas are a type of Mexican sweet bread, similar to the American muffin, and named after a pastry from Astorga, in Spain … click on title for more

Desserts, Irene's Lab

Chocoflan – Impossible Cake?

April 16, 2020April 26, 2020by Irene53 Comments

Chocoflan is a delightful dessert for which a layer of goat’s milk caramel (cajeta) is poured at the bottom of a baking pan, followed by chocolate cake batter, and topped with Mexican custard (flan) mix; it has also been named pastel imposible - Impossible Cake because, after baking, the cake layer “magically” appears at the top, so when the cake is turned upside–down onto a serving plate, the beautiful flan sits on top of the cake, all covered with delicious cajeta … click on title for more

Irene's Lab

This is How the Tortilla Chip Crumbles

August 16, 2018August 16, 2018by Irene22 Comments

Since I had a wholesome batch of salsa made with homegrown veggies, I felt the need to find the best partner for it, namely, a crispy and flavourful homemade tortilla chip … click on image for more

Irene's Lab

Corn Flour and Masa 101

April 17, 2018September 8, 2022by Irene48 Comments

Click here to go to printable recipe: Corn Dough - Masa There is very little consensus on what people first picture when they hear the words “corn flour.” I think of the flour used for masa, a dough to make tortillas, gorditas, and many other Mexican corn products. I understand in Great Britain it will [...]