Three types of chili were sauteed, rolled in a tortilla and cut into bit size dynamites, and as if it wasn't hot enough I dabbed it into the fire and nearly went up in flames.
Photo Source of K. Madison Moore's Pepper
Photo Source Painting from Holland
When going to the market to buy chilies in Mexico, whether on the side of the road, or a grocery store I noticed that Mexican market places have chili like the French markets have rows of yogurt, I would say like the USA has rows of Coca Cola, but no… Mexico is second to none when it comes ads and rows of Coca Cola.
I think Coca Cola is so popular in Mexico because the labeling is red like a chili.
Poblano peppers smaller and spicier than bell peppers, Poblanos are mainly used to make chili rellenos or they are roasted. I had a roasted chili rellenos last night.
D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!
I had no idea what the sauce was that swam around it.
It was good. That is about all I know. I also know that it is going to be hard to eat store bought tortillas after this trip.
I want the little tortilla making table, low as it needs to be close to the fire.
I want the pan, the large flat cast iron grill to cook the tortillas.
I also want this Mexican woman's recipe, and her hands too. She could make them faster than I could eat them. Yes we had a race. Yes my middle name in Oink.
The recipe… a mixture of masa harina and water simply made the most wonderful corn tortillas I ever tasted. Some say the secret is the cast iron pan… I think the delicate, knowing hands were the secret.
Serrano peppers have a fiery taste ("Don't they all?" asked French Husband.) and are mainly used in salsas. Habanero peppers are the hottest of all the chili peppers, not to be confused with fiery. Chipotle peppers are dried jalapeno peppers that have been smoked. Ancho peppers are dried poblano peppers which are used in sauces, and are the most commonly used in chili pepper. Fresno peppers are often used as an ingredient in guacamole and dishes featuring black beans. Jalapenos often pickled or used in salsas… And if you are still reading this chili pepper 101 report… Red Hot Chili Peppers is a name of a band, and Tex Mex has nothing to do with Yucatan food.
At the market in Muna the saleswoman felt so bad that the hand made tortillas were sold out that she gave us the ones she had bought for her family's supper.
She gave us gold in my opinion.
We have had the most wonderful encounters with people. Kind beyond measure, gentle, and happy. Helping us even though we know so little Spanish… well little is exaggerating… I know maybe three words… but genuine kindness is evident. Actions speaks larger than words.
Yesterday, when it was pouring rain in Valladolid we slipped into Arte Cafe. The owners, an elderly couple, had decorated with coffee beans! As I sat and drank the best Hot Maya Chocolate, I noticed the frames were decorated with coffee beans, the napkin holder too, and the lamp above the bar. The owner was pleased I noticed her decorative touch.
Unfortunately, I found out to late to sign up for Los Dos Cooking class.
I guess I'll have to come back.
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