Mexican Food Is Fun To Cook

Bringing the kids in the kitchen and turning cooking and preparing meals into family time is a great parenting tool.  Wise is the parent to create teaching moments, not avoid them. 

Most kids love mexican food, it’s full of flavor and color, and is one of my favorite foods.  I love the tortillas, the peppers, the color and the freshness!  When cooking for many kids, it was not unusual for me to prepare side dishes of rice, guacamole, enchiladas, or tacos, just to keep the kids interested in something besides pizza and burgers.  Whatever your passion, let your family members in on it!

Though not an expert at preparing Mexican meals, I do love the cuisine.

The food of Mexico is diverse and extraordinary and is fusion food at its most literal, having evolved from a complex layering of cultures.  It began with the Indian civilizations and in later centuries was built on by the Spanish conquest as well as other European rulers and influences.

The soul of Mexican food lies in its ncient roots: Aztec, Toltec, Zapotec, Ohnec, and Mayan.  From these roots come the deply colored, rich sauces made of mild and hot chilies, seeds, herbs, and vegetables that are so characteristic of Mexican cuisine.  Long-stewed meats are also a feature, while the broth that results forms the basis for the soups that fuel everyday lfe and is used to add flavor and depth to stews, and to bean and rice dishes.  Fish are flavored with spicy pastes or chilies, and served wraped in tortillas or fragrant leaves.

To this ancient cuisine making use of the country’s indigenous foods, the Spanish settlers added their own touch, not the least of which was the pig – a useful source of meat now very popular in Mexican cooking, while the fat that comes from pork enabled frying to be used as an alternative cooking method.  In additionk the Spanish brought wheat, used to make tortillas and crusty bread rolls, and domestic animals: cows, sheep, and goats, whose milk was used to make cheese.

The name Mexico conjures up a picture of sunshine, heat, color, and fiesta, and Mexican food reflects this – indeed, meals are a never-ending fiesta.  The main meal is served Spanish style in the afternoon and follows a light breakfast of hot chocolate or coffee with sweet rolls or cinnamon-sprinkled churros, or a substantial “brunch” often consisting of one of the country’s well-known egg dishes.  For in between, there are markets and cafes selling tantalizing snacks. 

Eat Mexican-style, and soak up that part atmosphere with the recipes on this site!

Let’s Begin!

Light Mexican Food

The Family Kitchen should include everyone who can walk.  Time in the kitchen can build and strengthen family relationships.  Assign tasks, supervise, instruct, praise, reward.  All the components of character.  Bring in the kids! 

Mexican food can be light!  Sometimes when you think of Mexican Food, you might think “No, I don’t want something that heavy.”  However, I will show you some light recipes that have all the flavor of Mexican, but not the heavy sauces or spice.

The Mexican Menu contains wonderful soups and appetizers and salads, all of which you can use to form any part of your meal.  These light dishes contain a little more character than the usual sandwich and are sure to satisfy your Mexican craving.  It’s not all enchiladas, tacos and refried beans, you know!!

I’ve included some favorite recipes I’ve used or enjoyed from others.  The soups are packed with enough goodness to keep you full of energy,  ranging from a light but very nutritious chilled avocado soup to Pozole, a protein packed meal in a bowl, made from pork, chicken and hominy – also called maize kernels, simmered in a rich stock.  Mexican soups are served with plenty of garnishes, from a spoonful of sour cream, chunks of lime, and freshly chopped herbs to more complicated salsas, which compliment the soup perfectly, and are well worth the extra effort.  Mexican food is full of chopping tasks, so make sure you have good kitchen knives that are sharp, or use an electric food processor, but don’t tell anyone from Mexico!!

Cheese and beans are a big feature of Mexican cuisine, and form the basis of Mexico’s many exciting variations on the sandwich: tortillas, tostadas, quesadillas, tortas, and molletes. 

I love how fish and seafood are prepared in different ways with spices, herbs and grilling!  I’ve added a few recipes that show plump, juicy shrimp with smooth sweet mango and a hint of mild chilie, for example, which is an unusual but delightful combination of flavors.  You will soon become a fan of the mango!!  What a tango!

Wait ’til you see how to serve up eggs in  new and interesting ways!!