Mexican desserts like Tres Leches cake and caramel flan are very popular. However, you do not hear a lot about those small, everyday confections that are enjoyed. What do they eat in Mexico when they get a sweet tooth? Can we make them here in our own kitchens?
What better way to start with sugary treats than chocolate? Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate. Authentic Mexican confections can be bought online for everyone to enjoy. Hot beverages like atole or Mexican hot chocolate are great recipes to start your journey with the delectable cocoa bean, also known as the “food of the gods.”
If you have a neighborhood Mexican grocery, you can often find boxes of chocolate to use in recipes. Be prepared: Mexican chocolate is not smooth, it is crumbly. Sometimes the chocolate is already mixed with spices like cinnamon. It is not sweet like we are used to. These boxes of chocolate are still not the best you can get from Mexico. This chocolate is like a Hershey bar; while the best chocolate you can get in Mexico would be like fine chocolates from Europe. There is a lot of difference in quality.
One popular sweet is candied fruit. Candied limes, lemons, and oranges are common and can easily be made at home. The peels are used in this dish, and once they are glazed, they shine like colored glass. Any citrus fruit will work. This dish takes some time to make and you need to add in a few days of drying time.
Another common candy is almond paste sweets. You just throw in blanched almonds with powdered sugar, using egg whites to hold it all together. Boost the flavor with almond extract and add food coloring to give them a festive look. The paste can be molded into fun shapes and served.
Little Eggs, or yemitas, are a special candy made in Guanajuato. These sweets are often wrapped in blue and white tissue paper in honor of the Virgin Mary and are given as favors at baptisms, communions, and fiestas. Made of sugar, water, egg yolks, and sweet sherry, they are coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before wrapping. They would be great to have on hand if you have a party with a Mexican theme, such as a celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Who says Cinco de Mayo recipes have to be the same every year? Why not make flan one year and little Mexican candies the next? With such a festive mood in the air when this holiday rolls around, it is fun to think of new ways to surprise your guests so they have a great time.
If you give these traditional sweets a try at your next party, you can serve them up in fun ways. Wrapped yemitas can be put into piatas or set around the room in small bowls. Candied fruit should be displayed on a platter that will show off their vivid coloration. Almond paste candy can be shaped into fruits, chili peppers, or maracas and decorated accordingly. Set them out proudly on platters so your guests can enjoy your artistry.
Large Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held in Denver, Chicago, Omaha, Phoenix, Reno, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Antonio and may other cities. If there is not a large community celebration near you, have your own! Invite your friends and have a party.
