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MEXICAN SIX COURSE TASTING MENU  by Darlene Tenes This was a menu I created for my mother's milestone birthday party dinner in October. I wanted to do something special so I searched around the internet for Mexican tasting menus but they were mostly French or European flavors. My heart was set on making Chiles en Nogada as the main course so it ended up becoming a 6 course dinner instead of a true tasting menu. However, I was determined not to have a typical Mexican meal. So, you'll be shocked to learn that there were no beans, rice or tortillas served.   _______________________________________________________________________...

Tamales have been around for a very, very long time. The tamal is recorded as early as 5000 BC, and may date back to as early as 7000 BC. But, first to come were corn tortillas, made by soaking corn kernels in a lime/water solution to remove their skins, and then grinding them into corn dough (masa). They were then cooked and served alone or with various fillings.When the Mayan, Aztec and Incan warriors went off to battle, the women came along to feed the troops making tortillas, meats, stews and drinks. Then, the women got smart and creative. They...

  The Three Caballeros (Los Tres Caballeros) is a 1944 American live-action animated musical package film produced by Walt Disney and released by RKO Radio Pictures. The film premiered in Mexico City on December 21, 1944. It was released in the United States on February 3, 1945.  The film was produced as part of the studio's good will message for Latin America.  The film stars Donald Duck, who in the course of the film is joined by old friend José Carioca, the cigar-smoking parrot from Saludos Amigos, who represents Brazil, and later becomes friends with a pistol-packing rooster named Panchito Pistoles, who represents Mexico. This clip shows when Donald Duck learns about Las...

Los Peregrinos, San José y la Virgen María more commonly known as Las Posadas is a reenactment of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem to be counted in the Census just prior to the birth of Jesus. These celebrations are a "Novena" or nine days of prayer starting on the 16th of December and finishing on the 24th which is the Noche Buena (Holy Night). Each night at dusk during this period all the guests gather outside the house. Usually a small child dressed as an angel leads, followed by someone dressed as pregnant Mary on a donkey with Joseph...

An altar or ofrenda is a display made during Dia de Los Muertos to honor the memory of your loved ones who have passed away. Traditionally altars will include the four main elements of nature - earth, wind, water and fire. EARTH - Returning spirits are believed to be fed by the aroma of food, thus the earth is represented by fresh fruits and vegetables. WIND - Papel picado is draped around the altar as a form of movement, thus representing wind. WATER - A container of water is placed on the alter to satisfy the thirst of the spirit after its long...