My love and appreciation for Mexican food developed when I moved to Chicago in 2001. What does Chicago have to do with Mexican food? While Chicago is of course nowhere close to Mexico, it has the second largest population of Mexican immigrants in the United States (Los Angeles is first). That statistic is from 2014, so … Continue Reading
Recently discovered Rancho Gordo Beans. Was curious to try them given all the positive “press” (rave reviews). Were they really that good? Worth the price, at around $6 for a 1-pound bag? They’re just beans after all, right? To most, a bean is just a bean, but to some a bean signifies so much more. … Continue Reading
Oh mole, you had me at chiles and chocolate. Simple and mole are two words that don’t go hand in hand. On the contrary, mole is a classic and complex Mexican sauce that may include chiles, seeds, nuts, spices, fruit, bread/tortillas, herbs, chocolate, etc. When I lived in Chicago, there were several [small neighborhood] Mexican restaurants … Continue Reading
While I’m an equal opportunity eater — love meat, fish, and vegetables, and would even try insects (cricket tacos, perhaps) if given the opportunity — I enjoy making vegetables the star of a dish. You don’t always need to add bacon to make things taste good (of course, bacon is yummy and does have its … Continue Reading
There was a time, just a few years back, when cooking meat intimidated me and was completely outside my comfort zone. But now, I find myself seeking out the often overlooked and underappreciated parts/pieces, such as liver, heart, and cheeks, to experiment with at home. In the past, would have been intrigued by goat … Continue Reading
