Black Beans and Pork Cracklings Tamales.

Today I was remembering how 8 years ago I sent my friend Nora a picture of my “Tamales with Black Beans,” and she asked me for the recipe. I simply said: “Oh, it’s really easy, just mix the corn flour, lard, and beans, and that’s it!” How vague, right? I didn’t even think about measurements or directions, because when you’ve been cooking for decades without depending on recipe books, that is the way you do it. So, long story short, I never sent her an actual recipe, but knowing that she is a good cook, I’m sure she figured it out by herself.

Crispy Potato Tacos with Pico de Gallo Salsa- Tacos Dorados de Papa

Crispy potato tacos, known in Spanish as “Taquitos Dorados de Papa”, is one of the most popular dishes that are loved by young and old.  You don’t need many ingredients to make them, and they can even be prepared ahead of time and reheated the oven. They’re usually eaten for dinner time, and are a very popular meal during lent time, when some families restrain from eating meat. Lent time in Mexico is observed right after Mardi grass and Ash Wednesday have passed. During the following Fridays, and up until Easter Sunday, people will eat fish, seafood, legumes, and vegetable dishes.  Cooks get creative preparing meatless dishes, and these potato tacos (as well as potato patties) are some of those many dishes we enjoy during this season.

Nopales with ground beef in a piquin sauce

This is a very delicious way to prepare nopales, the addition of the tomato sauce creates a complete meal when served with rice and corn tortillas. In just one plate you have your protein, vegetables and grains. And even though they have small piquin peppers, this is a mild stew. Of course, if you like to make it spicier, just add more peppers.

Nopales can be eaten raw in smoothies mixed with other fruits, but it is more common to eat them cooked. Prepared in a simple salad, adding tomato, onion, cilantro, oregano and salt. Or added to stews made using dried peppers like ancho, guajillo or mulato. Combined in soups or dishes with chicken, pork or seafood.  Another way to cook nopales is grilling them over a charcoal grill or stove top on a griddle.

Guava Compote, a sweet aromatic treat. Full of vitamin "C"

This recipe for “Guava Compote,” or “Guavas in Syrup,” can be prepared in a matter of minutes. It can be served warm or cold, by itself or over ice cream, yogurt or even pound cake. At home we love to make smoothies with it by combining the guavas with kefir or yogurt. And the best thing, it is loaded with vitamin "C", even more than oranges or lemons. 

I grew up in a town where guavas, mangos, tamarinds and other tropical fruits were something you could just reach up and pick from a tree whenever you wanted. My grandma had several guava trees, and my cousins and I loved to climb up them and eat the guavas up there. Guavas are usually sweet and have lots of seeds and are very aromatic; their skins are soft and can easily bruise, so be gentle while picking up your guavas at the market.