Handmade torrtillas

In various parts of Mexico many of the traditions still remain present until this day. One of those traditions is the making of tortillas by hand. You can make flour tortillas or corn tortillas. This traditions mainly remains present in small towns. Today I will explain to you the easiest way to make corn tortillas. There are different ways to make to them but this is the way I learned. For this recipie you will only need three main ingredients which are: masa harina or the so called Maseca (Maseca is a special corn flour. This ingredient can be found in Mexican markets.), a tortilla press (This can be found in a Mexican market.), baking powder, water, a comal or something you can cook the tortillas on and a bowl. The first thing you have to do is add a cup to two cups of Maseca then you add a table spoon of baking powder and mix the dry ingredients. The next thing you have to do it add water, start with a cup of water and mix the dry ingredients with the water, make sure they are well incorporated. If you see that there are still a little bit of the dry ingredients around there add just a little bit more of water but not too much because then the dough won’t hold its shape. Work the dough until everything is very well incorporated, remember this dough has to hold its shape in order for it to get pressed. After you have your dough done, get your tortilla press (remember the tortilla press is supposed to have some type of cover in order for the dough to not stick on the tortilla press). Now, get a little piece of the dough and make it into a little ball, once you’ve done that put the little ball in between the tortilla press and press down. By now your comal should have been preheated, now just put the torilla on there and wait at least a minute to a minute and a half to flip it to the other side and lastly flip it one more time to the first side and repeat the process until your dough is all gone. Congratulations! Now you have a handmade tortilla and I can assure you these taste way better than the ones you buy at the market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bifOd78JNWs

Enchiladas

I know I shared with you guys a recipe of a Mexican dish the other day and today I will share another. Today, I will teach you guys how to make enchiladas. Remember there are many recipes for enchiladas but I will show you the way my family and I make them. Here are the ingredients you will need: corn tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, chile de arbol (main ingredient for the sauce of the enchiladas. Found where they sell Mexican products), pepper (make sure you use the whole pepper not the ground one. The whole pepper look like little balls.), queso fresco, sour cream, salt, a clove of garlic, a little piece of onion, oil, some type of spicy sauce and water. The first step you have to do is boil the tomatoes with the chile de arbol for at least 5-7 minutes or wait for them to soften up. While these two ingredients are being boiled you can start chopping the lettuce into little thin strips and tomato into little dice (make sure the lettuce and tomatoes have been washed). By the time you’re done chopping the lettuce and the tomato the ingredients that were boiling must be done, take them away from the heat. In your blender blend the boiled chiles and tomatoes, add a pinch of salt, the piece of garlic, two whole peppers and the piece or onion and add just a little bit of water (I didn’t give specific measures because everything is according to your taste). While blending these ingredients, which will be the red sauce for the enchiladas, in a pan add enough oil but not a lot and make sure the pan is a medium-low heat. Once the chile for the enchiladas is ready, your oil is hot and you have your corn tortillas, dip one of the tortillas into the red sauce for the enchiladas and right away put the tortilla in the oil. You will notice the enchilada is done when the tortilla is soft. Keep repeating the process until you’re done with the tortillas. Now place however many enchiladas you’re going to eat on a plate and add the chopped lettuce and tomatoes, add the queso fresco, sour cream and the spicy sauce. Now you’re done with your enchiladas and it’s time to eat, Bon appétit!

Tacos dorados

Since I have been talking about traditions and typical Mexican dishes. Today I will show you how to make tacos but not like the ones they sell at the taco truck, these are called tacos dorados or as most people know them flautas, okay let’s begin. First of all let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious plate. You will need: corn tortillas, oil, some type of filling like potatoes, chicken, beef or just cheese, you’ll need lettuce, tomatos, sour cream, salt, avocado (if you desire), some type of spicy sauce and queso fresco ( you’ll find it at any store). I usually make the flautas with a potato filling, therefore I will teach you how make them like that. The first thing you have to do is boil the potatoes until they are soft, while doing that preheat your tortillas that way when you roll them they won’t break. Once you’re done preheating the tortillas, cut all the vegetables. The tomatoes should be sliced in little dice and the lettuce should be cut into little strings, once you’re done put the vegetables aside. By now the potatoes should be done, get them out of the water and let them cool for a little bit. After they have cool down start peeling them once they are peeled put them in a plate and smash them, don’t forget to add a pinch of salt. After this step, place a pan at low medium heat and add the oil but don’t add too much, it should be just enough so you can fry your rolled tacos. Now, get your preheated tortillas and add the smashed potato, add just enough that way it won’t come out when you’re frying the tacos. Once you’re done putting the filling in the tortillas, roll them; now it’s time to fry the tacos. Fry them until they are golden brown and seem crunchy enough. When you’re done frying all of your tacos set them on a plate, add the lettuce and the tomato. Finally, add the sour cream and queso fresco, add a slice of avocado and forget the spicy sauce. Now you have a delicious plate of tacos dorados, enjoy!

Dia del Nino

On April 30^th we have a tradition, “El Dia del Nino.” In a few parts or towns in Mexico it is still celebrated.  Not many parts of Mexico celebrates this day because to them it’s pointless, but for us it’s not. This day consist of celebrating all the kids in a household or typically if it’s a small town have a little get together with all of the kids. In this day if you are still considered a kid your parents will wake up to tell you “Feliz Dia del Nino” and that was something every kid wanted to hear coming from their parents. When I was in Mexico my dad will always make a barbecue for my cousins and I. Him and my aunts will make cook foods that we loved as kids like: tostadas, posole, tacos etc. They would also buy us a cake and would give us little bags full of all types of candy called “aguinaldos.” Those aguinaldos mainly consisted of candy that we typically liked. We would also have games and at night we would make a bonfire with all of our friends and family. That day we would also make sure that no kid was left behind and we would donate toys, candy, and some food for the needy. We wanted to make sure that every kid felt the love and affection on that special day. We loved making this act of kindness because we knew that every kid wanted to be celebrated since it was a very special day.

"Dia de los Reyes Magos"

Another tradition we celebrate is, “El Dia de los Reyes Magos” on January 6^th. For the most part this is for little kids. As Catholics that most of us are, we celebrate this day because we remember the day the three wise men followed the star that took them to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus. That day is when they arrived with their most treasured gifts. One of them took gold, the other one took frankincense and the last one took myrrh. On January 5^th, at night, before going to bed most of the children write a letter to “Los Reyes Magos” telling them what kind of presents they would like to receive. Every year, On January 6^th, we buy a “rosca” (bread that is in a circle shape. Decorated with fruits) and we cut it. Every rosca has three small dolls that represent baby Jesus inside of them and whoever gets one of them has to make a traditional Mexican dish. Also, an event takes place in every town or city to celebrate this special day that every kid waits for anxiously. People set up tables with all kinds of foods like: tostadas, tortas, tacos etc. and “aguinaldos” (little bags full of a variety of candy) so the kids can eat and have candy after. The place is decorated with colorful balloons, piñatas, and cute little stickers. This event consists of games, jokes and stories about baby Jesus and the Reyes Magos. Towards the end of the event, the people that perform the event dress up as the Reyes Magos and take the kids to the table that is full with toys and have them pick a toy if their choice. When the kids attend this event they take the letters they wrote the night before and tie them to a balloon. Once the event is over, all of the kids go outside with their balloons and their letter attached to them, and let them fly up, to the sky carrying all their wishes with them.

(Los Reyes Magos)

 (Rosca de Reyes)

On September 16, there is a march in the Zocalo to celebrate the Mexican War of Independence. The president and the Mexican troops like the Army, the Navy, the Air Force etc. march with the Mexican flag. Once the president shows up they start the event by singing the national anthem and once the orchestra starts playing then the march begins . While the march is going on each troop is holding a flag that represents Mexico and also their troop. this march goes on for about an hour or so. The troops also fired-up fireworks that illustrate the colors of the Mexican flag which are green, white and red. People like to join the event as well  and they gather around the zocalo to see the troops march. Every school in Mexico also marches through the streets of their town with the Mexican flag and an orchestra. Of course as the Mexicans that we are, we could not forget about our delicious foods we tend to make to celebrate the Mexican War of Independence. For this event, we make the traditional Mexican food like: posole, tacos, enchiladas, tamales, chiles reyenos, menudo, tostadas, ponche (traditional Mexican drink etc .Families tend to get together to eat the amazing foods we make. They also get together to watch the march and go along with the festival that takes place. As the true Mexicans that we are we could not forget about the beautiful that enlightens our soul. Typically, we listen to the most Mexican songs and we dance to celebrate another year of Mexico’s independence and how we celebrate "El 16 de Septiembre."

 (chiles reyenos)

 (Enchiladas)

 (march)

Mexican War of Independece part 1

Since today is September 16, I’m going to talk about one of the biggest celebration in the Mexican culture: Mexican War of Independence. Today marks 205 years that Mexico gained its independence. On September 15, at midnight, Mexicans have a traditon of going to the “Zocalo” (Main Square in Mexico City) and gather around to wait for the president to give “El Grito de Dolores.” “El Grito de Dolores” was a pronunciation of the Mexican War of Independence given by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a leader of the Mexican War of Independence and also a priest. As the president is walking into a balcony he is handed the Mexican Flag by a man who forms part of a convoy called “escolta” or escort. At the moment the president receives the flag he has to hold it really tight and he continues to walk with it towards the balcony until he gets to where the people can see him. Once he’s there he starts his speech by saying “Vivan los heroes que nos dieron patria y libertad” (Long live the heroes that gave us fatherland and freedom). After he says that he starts mentioning the heroes’ names and after every name he says “VIVA!” and the Mexican people respond “VIVA!” Once he is done saying the heroes’ names, he repeats three times: “Viva Mexico!” and of course as Mexicans and proud of our culture we respond with great pride and honor, “Viva!” After the people are done responding he rings the bell that Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang on September 15, 1810 at midnight, then waves the Mexican flag to the right and to the left several times. Lastly, “El Himno Nacional Mexicano” or the national anthem is played by an orchestra and at the same time fireworks are fired to the sky forming figures.

Tradition #1, Part Two.

As I was saying before “La fiesta Del Pueblo” is composed by many events. “EL Jaripeo” is one of them and that’s where the so called “jinetes” (riders) ride the bulls until they fall off or their time is up. While they are riding the bulls the “banda” is playing songs people request or they’ll usually play songs that will make the environment feel like home, what I mean by that is that the banda plays songs that talk about immigrants (because there is a lot of immigrants that leave their town to come to the U.S.A), the town and its people or old Mexican songs. For the most part they play the most requested songs. Another event that takes place during “La Fiesta Del Pueblo” is a soccer tournament. The winning team of the soccer tournament usually takes $5000- $7000 pesos for their team. That money comes from all the teams that participate in the tournament. We, as well, have a basketball tournament and basketball players from U.S.A travel to Mexico to be part of it. A third even that takes place is “El Castillo,” El castillo is a huge castle that is made up of pure fireworks and at the end of the night it’s fired up. The people from the town gather up to see the amazing fireworks that light up the whole sky. While the “Castillo” is being fired up, it reflects a lot of figures like: our saint, horses, Jesus Christ and many more. For the most part the figures are religious. Like in every Mexican party there has to be food and music. For this type of occasion there is more food than usual. The typical plate served during this event is called “corundas con churipo.”’The churipo is just a broth of beef with vegetables and the corundas are made of a mix of ground corn wrapped this corn leaves (first picture).  "El Baile" is the dance everyone attends and where they get to dance for hours and hours. This dance doesn't take place in a hall because so many people attend that they don't fit. (video).

 (El Castillo before)

(after)

 (Jaripeo)

Tradition #1, Part One.

Growing up in the Mexican culture you learn to evaluate every aspect taking place and how it’s getting done. Since I was little my parents encouraged me to follow and practice my traditions and not be ashamed of them. Our Mexican culture has such a beautiful variety of traditions that have been passed down from early generations.

In small towns from Michoacán, México, every town has a saint they worship and believe in. For example, in the town I grew up in, the saint we worship is called Santa Ana. Every year they throw a huge party, called “La Fiesta del Pueblo” and it goes on for three days nonstop. “La Fiesta del Pueblo” is like the fair but much better. The reason why I’m saying is better is because I have experienced both, “La Fiesta del Pueblo” and the fair in Merced, California. “La Fiesta del Pueblo” consists of many events, For example: Mass in honor of our saint, “El Baie” (a dance), “El Castillo” (A castle made out of pure fireworks), “Los Toros” or “El Jaripeo” (bull riding), soccer tournaments as well as basketball and of course we could not forget about the exotic foods that are handmade made by the families. During these days families that are in the U.S.A or any other place travel to Santa Ana to celebrate with their families and have a good time. Of course, the people that travel from U.S.A also travel to eat the delicious foods that await for us at home. Being able to form part of these events make me proud to form part of the Mexican Culture.

An overall look at the Mexican Culture

Cultures have existed for a long period of time and have been passed down from generation to generation. Every culture is unique in their own way. Cultures don’t only differ in music, religion, foods, morals, values but also in beliefs and language. The United States of America is now full of a diversity of cultures and the Mexican culture is one of them. There is approximately 33.7 million Mexicans (2013) in the United States. We, Mexicans have brought our traditions, language, music, beliefs, foods and religion to the United States. As you can see, the Mexican culture is very present now in the United States.

Even though, there are many Mexicans here in the United States every family has its own ways of interpreting and doing things. Most of the Mexican culture is orientated by family and religion, which means that religion and family are a very important factor in our lives. Most of us are very united families and we tend to be optimistic towards anything; we always try our best to be positive. We are very hardworking people (most of our siblings work in the fields), we love dancing, cooking, eating, but over all participating in our religious holidays. As any other country we have many religious holidays and that is when most of the community comes together to form part of the amazing events. Although we celebrate many religious holidays, we also celebrate holidays like: Independence Day, as well as Christmas and New Year’s with many of our traditional foods and dances. These are some of the traditions in which the Mexican culture is based.


Helpful links:http://www.pewhispanic.org/2013/05/01/a-demographic-portrait-of-mexican-origin-hispanics-in-the-united-states/