Traditional Mexican food recipes start with the spicy, bold tastes that can be found only in the pepper patch. A special kick goes hand in hand with Mexican food, which keeps bringing people coming back for more.
If you want to create authentic Mexican foods, keep in mind that you might need to invest in a handful of rubber gloves, a high-powered fan and a face mask because Mexican cooking definitely brings on the heat.
How to Chop Hot Peppers
The heat of a pepper comes from the oil, so wash your hands immediately after cutting peppers, but first turn on an overhead fan or an upright fan. Make sure the breeze is blowing away from your face. Wear gloves, and, if possible, goggles. While working, do not touch your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth, as these membranes are very delicate and will easily burn. If possible, cut peppers under cold running water.
The best method available for cutting peppers, however, is to put them into a food processor. Wait a full minute after the food processor has shut off before you remove the lid, and never under any circumstances breathe in the steam or fumes of a hot pepper.
Chili con Queso (Chili Cheese Dip)
Ingredients You Will Need:
1 cup onion, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 to 4 tomatoes, diced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
½ cup hot green chili peppers
1 jalapeno, chopped (pickled or fresh)
1 can chili beans or chili mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips
First sauté the onion in butter, and then add the tomatoes and crushed red pepper. Chop the green peppers and jalapeno peppers carefully, and add them to the skillet. Add the beans, and simmer until the beans are heated throughout. Finally, dump the cheese into the skillet, and heat until the mixture is smooth and all the cheese has melted. Pour the chili con queso into a bowl, and place it on a large platter. Arrange tortilla chips around the bowl, and serve hot.
To give this dish a little more oomph, add sliced olives or arrange pickled peppers and fresh jalapenos around the tortillas. Keep a loaf of bread and a jug of milk on hand to neutralize the capsaicin, which is the substance that makes peppers so spicy.
 | Tamale recipes are among the most traditional of all Mexican recipes. They feature three layers: A filling, a shell of dough and a corn husk wrapper. With the corn husk, the tamale always stands out. |
 | Mole sauce is generally associated with Mexican cuisine. Because any number of Mexican sauces can be considered mole, it covers a wide area, but we have a recipe for red mole for you. |
When it comes to chili peppers for kitchen use, you don't have to stop with the jalapeno. Chili peppers come in a variety of colors and shapes and in varying degrees of spiciness. Knowing more about the different types of peppers and how to handle them can help you give your recipes a little kick. |
Mexican wedding cookies are not necessarily served for weddings: They can be made and enjoyed any day of the year. This cookie has made an appearance at many special occasions, especially during the holidays. |
If you are thinking of learning how to make flan, don't assume it is easy. Even though flan is made out of eggs, cream, caramelized sugar and just a dash of vanilla, don't let the simple ingredients fool you. |
