gardening, Ingredients

First Summer Crop – Epazote

by Irene5 Comments on First Summer Crop – Epazote
First Summer Crop – Epazote

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a traditional Mexican herb that I have used and described in my posts before.  In English, it is known as Mexican tea or wormseed, and grows freely (sometimes considered invasive) in Southern USA, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America.  I bought a seed packet a few years ago, spread some in a sunny patch, and I have had them self-seed and come back every late spring ever since, ready for harvest as soon as summer arrives.  This year is no different, and as seen in the photo above, it looks like a bumper crop ... click on title for more

About my family, Celebrations

My Dad’s Pictures: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

by Irene3 Comments on My Dad’s Pictures: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
My Dad’s Pictures: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

For this Father's Day, I am remembering my dad today through two of his pictures (circa 1970):  A night view of Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral (above), and a similar frame during the day (below), with a view of the tabernacle on the right side, and my brother and me walking towards the building.   To all [...]

Celebrations, From the Archives, Regional Cuisine

Cortadillo de Res – Northern Style Beef Stew

by Irene13 Comments on Cortadillo de Res – Northern Style Beef Stew
Cortadillo de Res – Northern Style Beef Stew

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The Mascogos, a group of Afro-Mexicans, small, yet historically very relevant, living in the Northern Mexican state of Coahuila, have been celebrating Juneteenth  for generations, with a fusion of African, Mexican and Seminole (indigenous groups from Florida) traditions, such as dancing to música norteña (Northern Mexico music), singing hymnals to hand-clapped rhythms called capeyuye,  and sharing a meal that often includes cortadillo, a dish of beef or goat meat, cooked in a chunky tomato sauce ... click on title for more 

gardening

Garden Update

by Irene14 Comments on Garden Update
Garden Update

It finally seems like warmer weather is settling down in Southern Ontario.  The cool weather seed was sowed, and the seedlings started indoors are all outside now.  Here is a more detailed update of the new seed I mentioned back in March ... click on title for more

Desserts, From the Archives, Ingredients

Suspiritos – “Little Sigh” Meringue Treats, or How to Use Leftover Egg Whites

by Irene11 Comments on Suspiritos – “Little Sigh” Meringue Treats, or How to Use Leftover Egg Whites
Suspiritos – “Little Sigh” Meringue Treats, or How to Use Leftover Egg Whites

Meringues are desserts prepared by adding sugar and flavourings to perfectly fluffy, beaten egg whites, baked until they develop a crust.  Some meringues have a soft interior, such as pavlovas, while others are dry throughout.  One example of the latter are small meringues, about the size of a cookie, called "suspiros", and an even smaller version, called in the diminutive form "suspiritos" ... click on title for more