A bite of Mexico

This past couple of months I've been taking Mexican cuisine specialty classes at school. This was the best practice class I have ever had since I enter this university, with the most passionate chef I have ever met, she is very well known and recognized in the business. I really love her, she is so nice, so smart and yet not pretentious. I could just stay here typing about her and her lessons,  but I will leave you with some pictures from the class finale, we had a dinner, by teams, 5 courses, enjoy Mexico.

   

Coming soon

This is one of my favorite and fabulous projects under construction, the first one will be in Mexico city I believe, coming not so soon but I think its a great idea, so wait for it, even if you're not kosher at all.

Mexico is a sweet, sweet place!

Mexico is well known for its gastronomy, its culinary background, rich and colorful, Mexico has a very extensive variety of snacks you can try,  not only for the sweet tooth but also salty and spicy. As everybody knows, Mexico is full of street stands, everywhere you go there will be a street seller.
I personally love the spicy candies, but you can find candies made out fruit, almond paste, like this little fruits shaped and painted by hand, Amazing!

Sweet potato, milk coconut, tamarind, almonds, orange, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, lemon, pumpkin, WOW! and the list can go on and on, definitely, when visiting Mexico you have to try this absolute pleasures

When it comes to Día de Muertos, the deaths day, it is customary to make sugar skulls and write your name on it, like a worship to the dead.

And this absolutely delicious meringue candies, OMG! my mouth is watering!

When you meet the "Merenguero" it is very common to play heads or tails for this treats.

Petit Four

Petit Four comes from the french "small oven".

This are small confections usually eaten at the end of the meal

Petit four were invented during the process of the cooling of the brick ovens during the 18th century.
There are two different categories:

Petit four sec (dry), usually made with biscuits, baked meringues, macaroons, etc.

and Petit four glacés (iced) usually decorated like miniature cakes with fondant, marcipan or almond paste, or glacé icing

Wedding Cakes

Wedding cake must reflect who you are, your personality, because even though you are 2 different people, you are a couple, so you are about to become one, one home, one family, one decision.

Wedding is a huge step, some say is the biggest, I believe must people don't think right about making this decision because they are infatuated and not in love. That's why, when you commit to someone to hit this new stage in life, together, you must know who you are and

whom you'll become... together. I must say that if your cake doesn't reflect you

both, you are not meant to be together. But I am not guru so just check this cakes and tell me what you think.

I just love this cake, something unusual but a lot of character, and you can play with it, I mean it doesn't have to be cheesy, must be because its your wedding but who cares.

or this one, I'm amazed... I would have this for mine.

This was the wedding cake for Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler, they always seemed to have a crazy relationship, and the wedding was no exception whatsoever, very clever.

But after all, who's not waiting for cake time at the party?  Not just because of the peace of art, but because it must, must be so tasty that nobody will ever forget. Every time somebody remember your wedding, they will also talk about your cake. That's why you have to try as many as you can before deciding which flavor your are going with. Ask your caterer or patissier for the best choices available. This is where you both can go crazy and mix n' match infinite flavors and colors. 

And last but not least... the cake topper, as the mane says, the cherry on top of the cake... or aside.

before...
...and after.

My Top 5 iPhone and iPod touch Apps for Food

1. Jamie Oliver 20 minute meals.

The great chef Jamie Oliver guides you for quick and easy meals ready in 20 minutes with really easy and understandable video with tips and how to do the must know in the kitchen.

2.The Photo Cookbook- Baking

What I like the most about this app is the design. But part of this design is the way the recipe are displayed, beautiful high resolution photography. However I haven't tried any of the recipes, so I am just talking about the app itself.

3. Foodspotting

You can find, share and recommend not only restaurants but also the dishes you love from those places near by. Follow friends, places or food, this way it will be easier to find a place when you are in a crave mood.

4.Video cookbook

Very easy to follow video recipes and plenty photos, explaining how-to. Also the design, very professional looking. I like a lot of these app, is that because the recipes are divided by course, it is so easy to find what you are looking for, instead of going through the whole cookbook. Definitely a worth keeping app on your iOS.

5. Nigella Quick Collection

This award winning app contains a total of 30 recipes, from which 20 are new and exclusive. Her style is characterized by this simple, quick and easy but nevertheless mouth-watering dishes built by her passion in the kitchen.

A Chef's Armoire

Everyone of us rely on one of these unconditional and fabulous ingredients, but, why is that? Well, let me tell you, in my own experience, because once you get to know them you can play with them beautifully. They are always the same, I mean, lets say rosemary will always have the same scent and flavor, but we, the cook, we are not always in the same mood, so that's how we

can play.

Must of you may think that this are only used in salty dishes, but they're also great in desserts and dinks.

Here I give some ideas shared from some of my fav blogs.

Pine -nut cookies with rosemary

Lemon thyme pound cake

Rosemary lime cocktail

Raspberry-herb cocktail

And here I give you some tips for some different herbs and spices.

1. Basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and contains a wealth of nutrients, including beta-carotene and magnesium. Simply chewing some basil can release its restorative powers.

2. Dried lavander, calendula blossoms, and geranium essential oils tone and balance the skin, while their light, floral aromas calm the senses.

3. Sage can tackle a nagging cough or monthly feeling of bloat. If you tend to gain a pants size during your monthly cycle, banish the bloat with homemade sage tea.

4. Steam is the best way to deliver the healing power of herbs to congested sinuses. Oregano and rosemary have antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Plus, they're bronchodilators, so they help you breathe. Use the herns separately or together, or up the healing ante by boiling up a por of standard-issue Italian seasoning. Add 3 tbsp of Italian seasoning (or dried herbs of your choice) to a large pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and transfer the pot to a table. Cover your head with towel to create a steam tent; inhale for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the steam dissipates.

5. Coriander, like many spices, contains antioxidants, which can delay or prevent the spoilage of food seasoned with this spice. A study found both the leaves and seed to contain antioxidants, but the leaves were found to have a stronger effect.