Beatriz Terrazas and her evocative writing

Several years ago, Beatriz Terrazas, wrote what is still one of my favorite articles about me.  She captured exactly who I am, what I wanted to say and how I wanted to be portrayed. I thank her deeply for letting me tell my story. We met today to discuss a possible collaboration and she suggested [...]

Hoja Santa (Piper sanctum or Piper auritum)

Hoja Santa.  I have been trying to bring true Mexican flavors to the U.S. for almost fifteen years and have had many ups and downs with crucial ingredients.  At times this essential herb (Piper auritum and P. sanctum) has been difficult to find in the fresh rather than dried state.  Now its importance is being [...]

Are you giving any cooking lessons in the New York City area?

Thanks to all of you who attended my class last week.  I had  great time doing it and hope that you enjoyed it too.  I realize now that we were too a,bitious and next time we won’t try to cover as much territory. Any suggestions are appreciated. I’d love to do them on a regular [...]

Ixtapan de la Sal

I was around 16 years old when my parents first took us to the spa at Ixtapan de la Sal in the State of Mexico. It is not to far from Mexico City and about 2 hours from Toluca where we ate longaniza verde, a green sausage that is the specialty of the [...]

Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes

If bullfighting is your thing and you wouldn’ t mind catching a cock fight or two, head to the city of Aguascalientes in central Mexico for the annual Feria de San Marcos, which this year starts on April 18 and goes on for 3 to 4 weeks.  This national fair was once associated with the [...]

Cinco de mayo

I love Cinco de mayo! It is the one holiday when the media is interested in everything Mexican.  I have two exciting radio appearances coming up.  On May 4, 8:30 AM, I will be on The Morning Living Show on Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius, talking about how to create a fun Cinco de [...]

Lenten Menu from the state of Sonora -April 10- April 13 2009

This is the last chance to eat special Lenten dishes from the State of Sonora and will be open on Easter!!

Friday, April 10 – Monday April 13, 2009

Dried shrimp

Dried shrimp.  These are one of the major ingredients in the cooking of the indigenous peoples of Oaxaca.  Centuries before the Spanish came, the Huaves and other coastal peoples were harvesting shrimp from southeastern bays and lagoons.  Most of the catch was boiled, sated and dried whole in the shells, for transport to the interior [...]