Update: recently I made a batch of cornbread using Masa Harina in place of the cornmeal and I thought it was awesome. See Masa Harina Cornbread for details. When you're ready to cross over to the other side and are just passing through the pearly gates, you'll be presented with a plush white robe, a...
Appetizers/Sides
Here are all the Appetizers and Side Dishes on Mexican Please! Keep an eye out for the Pico de Gallo and the Pickled Jalapenos and Carrots -- add those two recipes to your kitchen and good things will happen!
Spicy Ground Beef Nachos
Beef nachos have the potential to become Hollywood's next superhero: they're handsome (at least right out of the oven), they know the difference between right and wrong (cheese must be melted but not burned), and they have a superhuman ability to save your day when it's on the verge of apocalyptic destruction (nachos for dinner?!). Sturdy tortilla...
Avocado Salsa Verde
Avocado Salsa Verde usually inspires a gushing "What is this?" from those who've never made it at home before. It has such a vibrant, distinct flavor that people assume there are some big-time chef skills involved in producing this masterpiece. But there's not. It happens to be one of the easiest of Mexican sauces to make, and once it's...
Spicy Black Bean Nachos
It's tough to beat the combo of warm tortilla chips, melted cheese, and spicy black beans. In other words...NACHOS! nachos / nah-cho-zz! / noun 1. tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and warm goopy beans 2. an increasingly popular exclamation used to denote an impending, much deserved reward; similar in use to Yes! or Right on! We're...
Cilantro Lime Rice
By keeping just a few ingredients on hand you'll always have the option of whipping up this light, effervescent Cilantro Lime Rice. It does quite well in groups (think burrito bowls) but sometimes it just needs some quality one-on-one time (with black beans). Either way, it'll be one of your most versatile creations if you give it...
Homemade Mexican Crema (Plus Some Substitutes)
Sometimes a single drop of Mexican Crema will be the missing final touch on your taco masterpiece. But if you've ever fretted when you see Mexican Crema listed in a recipe, then spend five minutes reading this post and next time you see it called for you'll be an expert on your options. Homemade Mexican Crema Recipe Creme...
Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing
For months I've been saying "You can substitute Feta if you don't have Cotija." And now I can finally say "You can substitute Cotija if you don't have Feta." That's what happens when your kitchen is brimming with Mexican cooking ingredients -- they find ways to improve other dishes that aren't typically labeled 'Mexican'. That's the case...
Chili Lime Peanuts -- Cacahuates Enchilados
Cozumel's blazing sun can eat up your energy muy rapido. When sunset finally rolls around there's a chance you'll end up looking like this: If I'm beached like that my first choice for instant energy would always be a big handful of cacahuates. Preferably with limon. Peanuts play a surprisingly substantial role in Mexican cuisine. You'll see them combined with...
Mexican Street Corn Dip
The Aztec/Nahuatl word izquitl roughly translates as "toasted corn". The word itself, izquitl, has morphed into its modern day version, esquites, and is still used in Mexico today. Esquites has now made its way north of the border too, mostly because corn slathered in creamy, Chili-Lime sauce is a dish that can quickly transcend culture boundaries. In other...
Frijoles de Olla (Mexican Pot Beans)
Beans are on the shortlist of nominees to become the Official Ambassador of Mexican Cuisine. And it's a well-deserved nomination at that. These nutritional powerhouses are loaded in protein and fiber, and they've been a staple in Mexican cooking since the beginning. They also taste better when you make them at home, and once you see how easy it...