Molcajete – An Ancient Tradition yet still Useful Kitchen Tool

Molcajete – An Ancient Tradition yet still Useful Kitchen Tool

A molcajete is a Mexican mortar carved from volcanic rock, that comes with a pestle of the same material, called tejolote. Molcajetes have been used in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times, and authentic pieces continue to be carved by hand from a single block of volcanic rock. Once at home, a brand new molcajete must be providently cured, but then it will be ready to use for many years ... click on title for more  

Chicago, and Mexican Heritage in the Windy City

Chicago, and Mexican Heritage in the Windy City

My husband was recently in Chicago for business, and I tagged along.  Chicago, rightly nicknamed The Windy City,  is a fascinating place, with lots of things to do. Mexican workers first arrived at the beginning of the 20th century, and nowadays, Mexican culture and cuisine have a strong presence in Chicago, not just within its Hispanic neighbourhoods, but citywide ... click on title for more

Tamales and Candlemas

Tamales and Candlemas

Back in 2021, I published a post explaining the origins of Candlemas (Día de la Candelaria in Spanish), why is celebrated on February 2, and why, in Mexico, food containing corn, and particularly tamales, are traditionally shared on this day.  Roaming through more recent posts, I found a couple more recipes for tamales, so in this post, I am sharing the original text, with an updated list ... click on title for more

A Very Traditional Mexico City Holiday Menu

A Very Traditional Mexico City Holiday Menu

In Mexico, the month of December is full of celebrations; it starts on December 12 with the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, followed by seven days of "las posadas".  Christmas Eve usually features a late evening family meal, and Christmas Day, either a turkey lunch, or the delicious "recalentado" - reheated leftovers from the night before.  In Central Mexico, especially in Mexico City, el recalentado is always welcome because the dishes are mainly soups or stews, so the flavours keep maturing and developing.  The following is a good example of a traditional Mexico City Style Christmas Eve  Menu ... click on title for more