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HISTORY OF TAMALES

christmas History mexican tamal tamale

HISTORY OF TAMALES

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...

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10 Latino-Style Thanksgiving Dinner Leftover Recipes

leftovers mexican recipes thanksgiving turkey

10 Latino-Style Thanksgiving Dinner Leftover Recipes

We put together 10 simple ideas to spice up your turkey leftovers from Turkey & Sweet Potato Empanadas to Turkey Mole Poblano. Click on image for recipes. !Buen provecho!     ____________________________________________________________ 1) TURKEY AND SWEET  POTATO (OR CRANBERRY) EMPANADAS ____________________________________________________________ 2) TURKEY ENCHILADAS ____________________________________________________________ 3) LEFTOVER TURKEY CHILI  ____________________________________________________________ 4) TURKEY MOLE ____________________________________________________________ 5) TURKEY TAMALES ____________________________________________________________ 6) TURKEY NACHOS ____________________________________________________________ 7) MASHED POTATO CAKES WITH AVOCADO ____________________________________________________________ 8) TURKEY (OR HAM) AND MASH POTATO CROQUETTES ____________________________________________________________ 9) TURKEY TACOS  ____________________________________________________________ 10) TURKEY AND SWEET POTATO STUFFED POBLANO PEPPER ____________________________________________________________   BONUS: TURKEY POT PIE

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Who is La Catrina?

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Who is La Catrina?

Did you know La Catrina originally had nothing to do with Dia de Los Muertos? The original artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, born in 1852 in the Mexican state of Aquascalientes, began his career as a teacher of lithography. In 1887, he moved to Mexico City where he worked as an illustrator for hire. Much of his work reflected his disdain for the corrupt government during dictator Porfirio Diaz's rule over Mexico City. Although Díaz is lauded for modernizing and bringing financial stability to Mexico, he also led his government in repression, corruption, and excess, and had an apparent obsession with...

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Fiesta Treat or Goodie Bags

Fiesta Treat or Goodie Bags

  What should I use for the treat bag?  You can use a number of items to place your goodies inside, just make sure it is securely closed. Some ideas are: Cellophane Goodie Bag Colored, Kraft or White Paper Bag Mini Bucket Ziplock Baggie Plastic Cups w/Lids Bandana or Fabric Square  Mini Tote, Cosmetic or Pencil Bags Wrapped Toilet Paper Roll    What should I put inside? Fill your bag with inexpensive fun and yummy goodies!   Candy or Foods: Kisses or Mini Candy Bars Gum, Lollipops, Licorice Pretzels, Potato Chips or Microwave Popcorn  Cookies or Granola Bars Nuts, Sunflowers Seeds, Raisins or Fruit Rolls...

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Wildfire Blessings

Wildfire Blessings

Taylor Santo contacted me saying, "Sorry I disappeared after the food caravan to Monterey. My wife got sick and then our house burned down in the wildfires. We just got into long term housing while we rebuild, so I am hoping to get involved again next month." What?! I can't believe she is even thinking about us after all of these devastating blows. Let me backup a bit and tell you a little bit about Taylor Santo, she has been a hard-working nurse in the Bay Area during the pandemic but has been emotionally moved to help the farmworkers. I remember...

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