If you have ever been to Mexico, you know the climate is hot and tropical. The Mexican people have developed some wonderful frozen desserts to keep them cool. These frozen desserts are sold along the streets in a similar fashion to ice cream trucks in the United States. Once you stop to buy, one the hard part is making a decision!
Paletas are Mexican popsicles. Their name means “little shovels” in Spanish. They come in familiar shapes but their flavors are very different from what we are used to. Paletas come in tart fruit flavors, milk mixed with fruit, chili flavored and even cucumber. These cold treats are low in fat and healthy. Whether you like them creamy or icy, there is a flavor you will love.
Mexico loves its ice cream. Popular vanilla ice cream can be topped with cajeta, which is a sweetened caramelized milk. To make cajeta, sweetened milk is slowly cooked down until it forms a thick syrup. This syrup can also be made with juice or goat’s milk. You may find it called dulce de leche, crema de cajeta or leche quemada.
The Mexicans even fry ice cream. That’s right… they take a ball of very solidly frozen ice cream, roll it in something good like cookie crumbs or corn flakes and deep fried at a low temperature. Cinnamon is then sprinkled on top before eating. Other toppings may include whipped cream or honey. Frying gives the ice cream a crispy crust that is fun to crunch. The cold ice cream in the center is an unexpected treat when you see this crunchy round dessert in front of you.
The town of Tocumbo is known for its ice cream. They make ice cream out of anything that is lying around, including tequila, pine nuts, avocado, corn, horchata and more. Tocumbo ice cream is marketed in over 10,000 outlets in Mexico.
Snow cones, or raspados, are treats that are sold all year round in Mexico. They are very popular with kids. Snow cones are made from shaved ice covered in colored syrup that comes in many different flavors. Sorbets are rather new to Mexico, but like other introduced foods have become a part of Mexican cuisine. Savory sorbets contain more water and are often made with herbs. They are used s palate fresheners. Sweeter sorbets are thicker and have more intense flavors.
Just like other Mexican food, frozen desserts can be made at home in your own kitchen. They are delicious, refreshing, and perfect for cooling you down on a hot summer day. Select a few recipes and see what your family likes. If they are like most people, they will love trying new frozen desserts.
If you want to try them before making some of your own, many frozen Mexican treats can be found at Latino markets. Once you know what you like, you can make them at home easily. Making these desserts is almost as fun as eating them!
Mexican dessert recipes can truly make a lasting impression. Take a look at fried ice cream. Have you ever tried it? It is cold and creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. What could be better? Try some. Your kids will think it is the best dessert ever.
