Authentic Mexican cuisine is not something you come across every day in the United States. Most of what we call Mexican food is actually Tex-Mex: a combination of Mexican food and Southwestern cuisine. Authentic Mexican food has a long tradition that reaches all the way back to the ancient Mexican tribes of the Toltecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. When the Spanish visited Mexico, they added many things from their culinary traditions to the mix.
Ingredients
To make authentic Mexican food, you need the right ingredients. It helps if you have a nearby Latino market or at least an international aisle in your local grocery store. Other ingredients that you are unable to find locally can usually be ordered online. You will want to keep your kitchen stocked with common ingredients used in Mexican cuisine.
Keep several types of dried chilies on hand for different recipes. Cilantro is used quite a bit, as is epazote, but that should be used sparingly. Produce like plantains, chayote, banana leaves, pumpkin seeds, tomatillos and chilies should be restocked as needed. Many mainstream grocery stores now carry queso fresco cheese, but you can substitute feta cheese if you cannot find any. Chorizo sausage is another must have ingredient. Finally, you need to learn how to work with masa harina for tortillas and tamales and find a source for real Mexican chocolate if you can.
Fresh foods are important in Mexican cuisine. You can skimp occasionally and buy your tortillas, but most dishes are made from scratch. Invest in a good cast iron pan for frying. Other frequent cooking methods include steaming, broiling and grilling, so get the appropriate equipment if you do not already have it.
Meal Planning
A typical Mexican dinner starts with a broth or soup. The next course is known as a dry soup (sopa seca), but is actually a rice, pasta or bean dish. The main dish is usually fish or meat served with vegetables. Dessert follows with coffee. The alcoholic beverage of choice is usually beer. Since Mexico makes several fine beers, most people will be amenable to that.
Finding Recipes
You can find many authentic recipes online and in a number of good cookbooks. If you are not sure about a recipe, look at the ingredients. Are they recommending a salsa out of a jar? Probably not too authentic. Salsa is simple enough to make in a few moments that you do not need to worry about using one from the store.
When you find some recipes that sound good, try them out. Do not fret if they do not turn out just right the first time, try them again. Some recipes take a little practice. Before you know it, you will be serving your family delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine whenever they want it.
The more you work with Mexican foods, the more you will appreciate their benefits of freshness, color, and flavor. Your repertoire of recipes will grow and you will be able to throw together a meal at a moment’s notice instead of planning far ahead.
Mexican food has a charm all its own. Learn to make the most of it with some authentic Cinco de Mayo recipes like posole and other traditional dishes. Your family will love the food and you will love the healthy food they are eating.
MexicanDessertRecipes.net The Sweet Side of Mexican Food
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Tips for Choosing a Chiminea for Your Backyard or Patio
by: David Caban
Imagine that you want to stay warm in your backyard on a cool, starry night. One of the ways you can do so is to invest in a clay or cast iron chiminea. A chiminea is nothing more than the modern version of a traditional Mexican outdoor fireplace. This type of outdoor fireplace was used for hundreds of years as a source of warmth and a place to cook. Nowadays you see them in many backyards as sources of warmth and as accent pieces adding charm to a patio or garden.
You can find chimineas made of clay, aluminum and cast iron. Which one you choose depends on what style fits your patio or backyard and how much money you are willing to invest. (Note: There are several accepted spellings for a Mexican fireplace. The common spellings are: chiminea, chimenea, chiminia, chimenia.)
Choosing a Clay Chiminea
When choosing a clay chiminea, you should look to see if the fireplace was air-dried or kiln-dried. In general, an air-dried fireplace is usually “untreated.” This means you would need to paint it and seal it before use. Kiln-dried versions are typically prepainted and sealed.
Clay chimineas are constructed in two pieces. The bottom piece, called the “bowl” is the largest piece, and looks like a potbelly stove. The smokestack, or “neck” is attached separately on top of the bowl. The joint where the two pieces come together is usually rather weak, so you should never lift a clay chiminea from the neck.
In general, clay chimineas are not designed to handle large fires for extended periods of time. They are also more likely to crack and break than a cast iron or aluminum model.
Finally, remember that a clay chiminea is nothing but a combination of water and dirt. If you let it sit in water long enough, it will turn back into mud. Therefore, cover it during rainstorms and never let your clay fireplace sit in a pool of water!
Cast Iron and Aluminum Chimineas
In general, a cast iron or aluminum chiminea is more durable and sturdy than a clay version. Although they tend to be heavier than clay models, they won’t crack or break as easily. However, they will need occasional maintenance.
For example, if you leave a cast iron chiminea outside long enough, it will rust. Rust is a normal occurrence, so if you sand out the rust spots and paint them as they appear, your fireplace should give you many years of enjoyment.
Cast aluminum models are relatively low maintenance, lighter in weight than cast iron, and also rust-resistant. Therefore, painting and sanding is not necessary.
What to Look for in All Chimineas
As you shop for a Mexican fireplace, pay close attention to the size of the fire bowl area. This is where you will be placing the wood to burn, so be sure it is large enough to accommodate adequately large pieces of wood. The size of the fire bowl is more important than the height of the neck.
You might also consider purchasing a spark arrestor for your chiminea. A spark arrestor is a mesh screen that you place over the chimney hole to prevent sparks from escaping. You might also consider a spark arrestor for the front of the fire bowl, too.
A modern Mexican chiminea is a great addition to any backyard, both as a source of heat and as a decorating accent piece. Make your choice between clay, cast iron, and cast aluminum models. With a little yearly care, you will have a wonderful conversation piece for your patio or backyard. Plus, you will have a romantic and charming way to stay warm as you gaze into the sky on a cool and starry night.
About The Author
David Caban is a successful author and publisher of outdoor patio furniture advice. His website, http://www.best-in-patio-furniture.com, is a one-stop source of free information on patio furniture and outdoor décor for patios, decks and porches.
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