Exploring the Regional Cuisine of Mexico

Puebla, a landlocked state, is the place where the Spanish settled and called it their centuries ago. Puebla’s gastronomic story dates back to the Mesooaamerican age – this is where amaranth was domesticated the first time, and one of the first maze cultivation took place here—wondering what’s inside the delicious Mexican cuisine? It’s using pumpkin seeds in more ways than you thought it’s possible, bread-culture influenced by the french, chocolate-tinged sauce called mole that takes countless ingredients and forever to make. Poblano cooks give foreign ingredients a Mexican twist. Here’s taking a look at Mexicos diverse food culture,

Ingredients Influenced From Around the World

Think Mexico think beans, avocados, chilies, corns, tomatoes, squash- some of Mexico’s most essential ingredients. Puebla got its fruits and livestock from Spain, tubers, seeds, and species from South America, Asia, and Africa. Puebla became a famous spot on Veracruz – the Mexican trade route. The convents of Puebla were filled with daughters of affluent merchants – their money and purchasing power got in foreign ingredients into the city. While corns are considered the backbone of the cuisine, chilies are given the status of the heart. An offbeat element like bugs also features in the Mexican kitchen.

Some of the Essential Dishes

The world is not unknown to the lip-smacking Mexican dishes. The quintessential Mexican dishes like an enchilada, quesadillas, tacos, chilaquiles, tamales, and more have managed to gain popularity across the world. However, these dishes take up a new shape across Mexico, made with different ingredients and preparation techniques. In Mexican cuisine, Mole, Adobo, and Pipian make for three must-have sauces.

Street Foods and Sandwiches

Mexicans are known for their snacks – the sheer variety available while snacking made Diana Kennedy call them “the most persistent noshers in the world.” Mexican snacks have masa (corn dough) as a base ingredient. Masa snacks fall into two categories – stuffed masa snacks and topped masa snacks. Most snacks are either shallow-fried or grilled but steaming, and frying is also a frequently used cooking method.

Beverages and Sweets

Refined sugar changed Mexican sweets forever. Mexicans enjoy frozen treats and candied fruits. Puebla has its version of elaborate sweet cuisine – heavily influenced by European cuisines. The unique dish is the pumpkin seed icing that’s generously used in many Mexican sweet dishes. The beverage industry sees both ancient and colonial influences.

As they say – there is no such thing as Mexican food, but many foods of Mexico.

This Maryland Hotel Is the Perfect Weekend Getaway

​​The charming hotel, Inn at Perry Cabin, is a famous Maryland spot. Nestled in the town of St. Michael, the hotel is known for not only making its acting debut in Wedding Crashers, but also for being the perfect getaway for city folks looking to unwind. With its farm-to-table menu, waterfront views, and soothing atmosphere, it might just be the de-stressor you’re looking for.

The Food

The Maryland Inn has perfected the art of farm-to-table food. Executive chef at the inn, Gregory James, joined the inn in 2019 and has since then made it his mission to provide sustainably on the plate. All the ingredients used in the kitchen are sourced locally, even the cheese which James ages using vegetable ash made from leftovers in his kitchen. The taste of the healthy and delicious meal is only enhanced by the experience of dining amidst flowing fire pits and picture-perfect gazebos. The Inn at Perry Cabin is also planning on opening a farm in 2022 which will double as both a working farm and event space. The inn also houses a sailing academy wherein you can learn to sail on the resort’s fleet. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you can also book a 55-foot boat and arrive at the inn in style.

Around the Town

The quaint town of St. Michaels, Maryland provides the perfect backdrop for the hotel. Explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for an in-depth history of the area’s boat building. The latest exhibit, Dove Tales, is all set to open in April and will talk about the Maryland Dove, the bait which brought colonists to Maryland in 1634. Walk around the red-brick paved streets, and duck into the local pharmacy for a variety of knick-knacks and gifts. The quintessential charming American town also offers a soothing environment with mid-Atlantic waves gently lapping against the shore.