A Mexican Twist to Cinnamon Cookies

One of the most popular recipes for cinnamon cookies are actually from Mexico, where they are called polvorones de canela. The main difference between this variety of cookies and the cookies that Americans are more familiar with is that the Mexican version is more of a dessert resembling shortbread in texture and taste, only enhanced with a cinnamon flavor. On the other hand, the American equivalent would, well, just be cookies with a cinnamon flavor, meaning they’re flatter and chewier in texture. Polvorones de canela is usually served and is said to be perfect with a mug of piping hot chocolate, just like the American counterpart is perfect with a glass of milk.

The word polvorones is actually Spanish, meaning “dust”. This is obviously alluding to these cookies having a generous dusting of a powdered mixture of powdered or confectioner’s sugar and cinnamon, which in Spanish is canela. Thus, the dessert’s name, polvorones de canela, is not actually a literal translation of cinnamon cookie, but actually means “dust of cinnamon”. This dessert is quite popular in Mexico, but it makes a most special appearance during weddings, where they are served in a sort of ceremonial tribute to match the dress of the bride in a traditional Mexican ceremony. These cookies are stacked to form a pyramid-like structure, and they make a spectacular centerpiece during the wedding reception. Continue reading “A Mexican Twist to Cinnamon Cookies”

What Makes Caribbean Food Special?

The sea, sun and sand make the Caribbean a popular tourist destination. But aside from the beautiful weather, the amazing landscape and the total Caribbean experience, Caribbean food is unique and appetizing. There is just something about that great spicy Caribbean flavor!

Caribbean food is not like food from any other part of the world. The Italians have their pasta, the French their pastries, wine and rich cuisines, the English their ‘bangers and mash’ and China has its egg rolls, but the Caribbean has its own unique spicy Island taste that many people appreciate. A lot of Caribbean food involves highly spiced cuisine that titillates the tongue and palate.

The Caribbean consists of many islands that each have their own specialties. Central America, with Mexico, Costa Rico, and Panama can also be considered part of the Caribbean, at least when it comes to tourism and cooking, because they have coasts that border on the Caribbean Sea. Central America, because of its connection with North and South America, has its own style of food as well. Continue reading “What Makes Caribbean Food Special?”

How To Flavor And Prepare Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas, also called cowpeas and cousin to the smaller field peas, probably came to America via the slave trade. They had more use as animal fodder before coming to the table of the two-legged. The beans themselves are beige in color, but have a black “eye” that gives them the name. You can buy them canned, fresh (frozen) or dried.

Although more popular in the South, make these potassium and protein rich, fiber-filled peas unique to your own diet by spicing them with your favorite flavors. As with many legumes, they are neutral in taste and easy to enhance with seasonings. In the South folks like to add the flavor of crisp crumbled bacon, along with red or green bell peppers, chopped onions, chili powder and black pepper. To be authentic you should use ham hocks (or a ham bone) or fatback to aid in flavoring. It is the pork’s fat and salt that add that special flavor.

There are many recipes for the famous Hoppin’ John dish served to celebrate a prosperous New Year. Here are some ideas and things to consider to get you experimenting no matter what the season. If you want to avoid the salty canned peas and avoid the pre-soaking, frozen is the way to go. Otherwise try the easy-to-store dry variety. Continue reading “How To Flavor And Prepare Black-Eyed Peas”

5 Delicious Recipes For Beer Can Turkey

Beer can turkey, or beer in the rear turkey is wonderfully delicious way to roast or grill your turkey this holiday season. The moisture from the beer will help to ensure that the breast of the bird stays moist and delicious. You can roast your turkey in the oven on a baking sheet to catch the juices, or on the grill. To make your turkey even more special, you can add herbs to the can of beer, and add a complimentary rub for the bird. Here are 5 great ideas for your favorite beers, and complimentary brines and rubs.

Guinness Turkey with Coffee Rub

Ingredients

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Mexican Marriage Traditions

There are many different cultures around the world who institute various traditions involving weddings, with one of the most interesting taking place in Mexico. Here are five of the most popular Mexican marriage traditions and customs, some of which are still followed to this day.

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

Typically, when it comes to more traditional types of Mexican weddings, the father of the bride will normally be the one who covers all of the expenses for the entire ceremony. However, in most cases, members of the families of both the bride and the groom will generally come together to help pay for the cost of the ceremony. There are even some cases where members of the wedding party will join the family in helping to cover the cost of the entire ceremony as well. There are also some traditions in which the bridesmaids and groomsmen are paired together and assigned certain roles in helping to pay for the ceremony. Continue reading “Mexican Marriage Traditions”

Cooking Indian Food

Many people love to experiment with different foods from different cultures and ethnicities. Some people love to go out for dinner and experiment with foods they’ve never had before. Other people like to reproduce their favorite dishes at home. Experimenting with cooking from other regions and cultures can be an exciting and fun process. Many cuisines have subtle differences from region to region. Or sometimes the ethnic cuisines are based strictly on different geographic areas.

Some of the most popular cuisines are Mexican, Italian, French, Greek and Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines. While many people feel comfortable experimenting with Mexican, Italian, or Chinese, few people feel comfortable experimenting with Indian food. Nor do they understand the subtle differences in Indian regional cuisine. Indian cooking is as complex and diverse as India’s geography, climate, religion, and culture. The variety of dishes is extensive: from warm tandoori dishes with meat of Northern India, to the, saucy Southern mostly vegetarian dals (legume-based dishes), you’ll find incredible diversity and great taste. Continue reading “Cooking Indian Food”

Tips for Choosing Successful Vegetarian Wedding Caterers

Go online and scout around for various options in terms of menus ingredients and cuisine styles from around the world. When you narrow down possible caterers sit down with them with all this information in hand.

Ask them pertinent questions. Vegetarian wedding caterers are mostly specialists in any one cuisine like Indian, Mexican etc. Pick a caterer who can handle multiple cuisines. Do they have many options to choose from right from the entrée to desserts? Start with the cake and jellies served. You will have to check if the eggless cake varieties offered are up to par. The gelatin used for dishes should not be animal based ditto for ice creams.

Unless you want only vegetables in every course try to find if the caterer is innovative and creative to mix different cuisines like Mexican, Thai, Indian and other Mediterranean styles. Many caterers are capable of whipping up gourmet fusion dishes. Ask them to be innovative. Taste check and then approve the dishes. Furthermore have a few vegan and gluten free dishes for the fussy eaters. Vegetarian dishes use a lot of milk based products which vegans may not approve. Also grain based dishes are not suitable for the gluten intolerant people. So walk the tight rope carefully. Nobody should feel left out. Continue reading “Tips for Choosing Successful Vegetarian Wedding Caterers”

World Famous Foods

The world is full of best tasting foods. They are all good foods. Just in case it makes you hungry, this article will help you choose the right food for you. Whether you like the best food, the popular food or tasty food, find yourself the food that will satisfy your taste buds!

What is the most popular food in the world?

These are choices: Continue reading “World Famous Foods”

How to Write Restaurant Reviews

Not only can writing restaurant reviews be an enjoyable experience because you can try all sorts of different foods, it can also be a creative way to express your opinion. There are a number of different rules to follow when writing a quality review. It is important that you understand how to determine the quality of food as well as the restaurant.

The following list highlights a number of tips on how to write a restaurant review:

1. Restaurant Selection: Pick a restaurant that you find interesting and make a reservation. Make sure that it is food that you normally eat and like.

2. Restaurant Features: When you dine at the restaurant, note the decor, atmosphere, wait staff, kitchen staff, parking, cleanliness, other diners, and location.

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The Mystic Town of Tepoztlan: Open Your Mouth and You’re in for Some Unique Tastes

Good food is easy to come by in Tepoztlan, Mexico, located just a couple of hours south of Mexico City on the road to Acapulco. There’s a generous variety of restaurants catering to the weekend visitor and tourists. Local fare centers on rolled tortilla sandwiches of pork, chicken, cheese or vegetables. Hot peppers are available if you wish. Roast meat dishes and traditional Nahua-style meals are likewise plentiful, but pizza and burger joints are in short supply. Local platters are sizeable, filling and tasty. The streets in central town area and the colorful, exotic market located behind the main plaza (also called the Zocalo), are brimming with choice places for dining on any budget. Here are some to try out for starters:

Restuarante Vegetariano Xochipilli located at Ave. Revolucion No. 10

A nicely decorated place with tempting non-meat specialties. It’s a bit on the “touristy” side but service is good and the menu varied enough to be a worthwhile stop on your agenda. Prices for local delicacies range from 20 pesos to around 50 pesos for heartier fare.

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