Mexican Christmas Traditions

Wordless Wednesday: Passing over Popocatépetl

3 · Apr 25, 2012 · 2 Comments

If you follow the news, you've probably heard a lot of fuss about a volcano in central Mexico that's been spewing ash, rumbling and causing concern lately.

That volcano, which stretches into parts of three bordering states (Mexico, Puebla and Morelos) is Popocatépetl—also known affectionately as Don Goyo.

Here's a photo I took of the volcano when we flew over it on our way to Acapulco in December 2011. I've flown over it many times but have never actually visited it while on the ground—but I'd definitely like to get up close to check it out someday. On a very clear day you can sometimes see Popocatépetl from different vantage points in Mexico City, including a spot near where my suegros live.

Have you visited Popocatépetl?

Chicharrón de queso

43 · Mar 23, 2012 · 9 Comments

On any trip to Mexico City, I look forward to my first visit to any of my usual taquerías. Not only because I need to satiate my appetite for tacos (read: stuff myself to practically the point of no return), but also because I get an order of chicharrón de queso while I wait.

It's a delicate, crunchy salty treat—the name basically translates to cheese cracklings.

For years, I never considered making my own chicharrón de queso. Not because I thought it was too hard, but because I don't have a flat top griddle like the taquerías do. I thought the hot griddle was the key to the texture and the high heat was responsible for the ability to mold it; but one day I had a nagging craving that forced me to experiment and I discovered it can be done at home in an easy way that doesn't sacrifice any of the things that you'd expect from a good chicharrón de queso....

Wordless Wednesday: Guaca-tacos

5 · Mar 21, 2012 · 2 Comments

I posted this photo on Instagram last week as I was eating leftover guacamole in the form of tacos, also known in my household as guaca-tacos.

You can find my guacamole recipe here. Sometimes I like to substitute red onion for white onion (like I did here, though it's difficult to tell from the photo). It's a substitution I picked up from my mom since she normally makes her guacamole with red onions.

Do you ever eat guacamole tacos?

FAVE KITCHEN TOOLS: box grater with storage

2 · Mar 16, 2012 · 1 Comment

We all have a kitchen tool or gadget that makes our lives simpler or easier.

I wanted to share some of the kitchen tools that I love best, starting with this one: a box grater with storage.

This is a great tool that I often use several times per week. It's a box grater that has a storage tupperware under it, and you can pop the grater top off and seal it with a lid that comes with the set. I love this because it makes grating cheese easy, but I've used it for prepping other foods too.

I try to get creative and use one item for multiple tasks, and I've discovered this box grater is also good for zesting citrus on the side that has the small graters, and grating cheese and onions on the large side. I've also used the large side for grating apples, zucchini and cucumbers.

When I pop the grater top off, I just wash it in the dishwasher. I seal up the top with the lid and store the contents in the refrigerator. This tool is not one that I might have bought on my own; it was a gift from my mom several years ago and probably one of the best kitchen gifts I've ever received.

What's one of your favorite kitchen tools or gadgets that makes food prep easier for you?

Wordless Wednesday: quesadilla de chorizo

5 · Mar 14, 2012 · 2 Comments

Who doesn't love a quesadilla? It can be a perfect breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack.

Especially if it has chorizo in it. This one has queso Oaxaca, chorizo and salsa verde. So simple, yet it made me so happy when I ate it!

What's your favorite filling for a quesadilla?