| Mexico offers a unique cuisine that is delicious and | | | | dishes like frijoles, and as filling. |
| healthy. Ancestral home to the Mayan, Aztec and | | | | Beans are not the only food that is regional. In the |
| Zapotec civilizations, Mexico has a long history in | | | | hot, dry north, beef is eaten a lot because there is |
| cultivating food. Native staples included avocados, | | | | plenty of room for grazing. The Pacific coast offers |
| sweet potatoes, corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, | | | | excellent coffee and corn stew. On the Gulf coast, |
| and a variety of squash. For meat, they hunted deer, | | | | tropical fruits and vegetables are served with fish and |
| turkey, quail, and rabbit. Chocolate is a native plant in | | | | seafood. The Spanish influence is very strong in |
| this area, and was prepared as a beverage for the | | | | Central Mexico, as this is where they settled. On the |
| Aztec royalty. | | | | Yucatan Peninsula, seafood, eggs, black beans and |
| When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, they brought | | | | corn are common food items. |
| their favorite foods with them. Pork, beef, cheese, | | | | If you want to try making a typical Mexican meal at |
| and cream were added and combined with the native | | | | home, there are many easy recipes to try out. |
| foods. The Spanish brought sheep, chickens, wheat, | | | | Authentic Mexican rice recipes can set the tone for |
| and sugar. Three hundred years later when Spain | | | | your entire meal. Rice is frequently used in Mexico as |
| finally gave up control of Mexico, their influence on | | | | a side dish or as filling. Once you have tried a recipe |
| Mexican food was well established. | | | | or two at home, you will see how delicious authentic |
| Corn is a major part of Mexican meals. Cornmeal, | | | | Mexican food can be. |
| known as masa, is made into a dough that can be | | | | Try something new and experiment. Adding a |
| formed into tortillas, empanadas, or tamales. Corn is | | | | different bean can change the texture or flavor to a |
| also added to soups, stews, and other dishes. | | | | dish. Add tortillas or refried beans as a side dish, or |
| Tortillas made of flour are more common in northern | | | | throw together some fresh seafood and citrus juice |
| Mexico. Chili peppers are also a main part of the | | | | to make a cooling ceviche on a hot day. Mexican |
| Mexican diet. Jalapenos, poblano, and Serrano chilies | | | | food is great for kids to make, too. Let them make |
| are just a few of the common choices in the | | | | their own quesadillas or tacos. |
| Mexican household. | | | | You can also add Mexican cuisine to any meal. For |
| Beans are an important part of Mexican cuisine and it | | | | breakfast, try mixed tropical fruit or scrambled eggs |
| provides a lot of protein. Each region has their own | | | | mixed with salsa. Top a tortilla with a fried egg and |
| favorite bean. For instance, pinto beans are favored | | | | add some ham, tomatoes, chilies, and cheese. Add a |
| in the north, while black beans are the bean of choice | | | | side of refried beans and you will have a breakfast |
| on the Yucatan. Beans are used in soups, as side | | | | that will break up the normal routine. |