I am pure gringa. I don't have a drop of Latina blood in me. My ancestry comes from Norway, Sweden and above all else, ENGLAND. I couldn't lay claim to Spain if I tried.
Yet there is something in me that yearns for Mexico.
Call it a phase, a fancy, a crush. I love all things Mexicana. I love the ruins, I love the culture, I love the food. I am a closet Mexicana-wannabe.
Where did this fascination come from? I didn't start out with it. In fact, growing up in southeastern Washington state, Hispanic people were intimidating to me. I didn't bond with them at all.
Then came my mission which took me not to Mexico, but south of it: Honduras and Guatemala.
This got me immersed in the culture and knowledgeable of the language, but I don't think I felt the strong devotion then that I do now. Although these countries have a special place in my heart, there is one whole valve that is dedicated to the country of Mexico.
My first experience in Mexico was in 1998 when we jet-setted off to Puebla to attend La Universidad de las Americas. Since I was pregnant and trying to care for my almost 3 year old daughter, I didn't appreciate the country as much as I could have. There were obstacles to overcome and I was very homesick. I don't think I was appreciative of where I was living or the experience I was having.
At the end of our 6 month stay, we decided to tour around (as much as our finances would allow. We went to Mexico City and then to Oaxaca. Oaxaca was where my first love affair began to develop, particularly Monte Alban.
In Monte Alban I could actually see the Book of Mormon stories come to life. I could envision the Nephite people living together after Christ came to the Americas. I fell in love with a world I never imagined existed outside of the pages of my scriptures. The people were wonderful, the food was delicious and the ruins were amazing. I was in love.
After that, I longed to go back. I was insanely jealous when my husband took a group of students down in 2005. But later that year, I got my big break.
My mother who had ALS wanted to go see the ruins of Mexico before she died. Since I am the only member of my family who speaks Spanish, I was invited along for the trip. We went to the Yucatan which allowed us to see as many ruins as she could stand in 8 days. We saw them all. We went to Chitzen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum and all the little ones in between. I was smitten. Uxmal was definitely my favorite. But my biggest love was with a city. The city of Merida. Here I could stay forever.
If you've never been to Merida, these are children who dance the traditional Yucatan dances on Monday evenings in the Zocolo. It embodies everything I love about Merida: the traditions, the culture, the beauty and the people. I loved every minute there.
My husband loves to tease me that we are going to retire to Mexico. I could never imagine it until I went to Merida. Then I came home and told my husband that if he wanted to retire in Mexico, it would have to be there! Although I also might be persuaded to live in Playa del Carmen if I could just do something about the hurricanes and the stupid tourists!
Now I have ganas to return even more than before. I keep dreaming of the day I can one day go back and swim in the ocean, shop at the Mercado, climb El Castillo and cheer on the Yucatan dancers. My husband and I are planning to go for our 25th anniversary, but that is 12 years away!
The one thing I can enjoy is the food and I have to admit that I can't get enough of it! I love the spices of cumin and cilantro (not together of course), and I yearn for the taste of jamaica and guayaba (also not together). So this Friday, I'm offering a fast and friendly recipe with some nod to all things Latina. Although it is not authentic, it is still tasty and one of my favorite recipes. (I hope I do not offend any true native Mexican cooks out there.)
Super Burritos
1 lb. hamburger
1 medium onion chopped
1 clove garlic minced
Brown together in a pan until cooked. Add the following:
1/4 c. water
1 Tb. chilli powder
1/4 tsp. cumin powder
Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 c. rice, cooked and 4 oz. green chiles (si gusto)
Warm 8 flour tortillas in microwave. Place 1/2 c. filling in middle of tortilla and grated cheddar cheese. Add chopped tomatoes if you wish. Fold in standard burrito format and place on greased cookie sheet. Finish folding other 7 burritos and place in 400 oven for 15 minutes until crisp and golden.
It takes a little longer than 30 minutes to make, but it is well worth the extra time. I try to have the rice on hand since that cuts down on the time. I don't usually add the chiles, but if you like it spicy that is the way to go.
And don't we all like it spicy once and awhile?
8 comments:
My burrito recipe is even more white-bread than yours but I still love it - and yours sounds really good. And between you, No Cool, Gabriela and "Nacho Libre," I'm starting to think Mexico is pretty awesome too.
P.S. I totally flubbed up not posting a recipe yesterday but I HAD to tell the beer story. It was just too funny to put off another day.
WOW!, too many things to commnet on hermana!
Beautiful pictures. My daughter Fashionista was born in Puebla, I love that city, Cholula is so pretty.
Merida is a gorgeous city, what a place!, Oaxaca...and the food, aaahhh! the food. Whenever I think of Mexico I think of the food first.
It's been 12 years since I left Mexico, so your post brings me good memories :)
Naddin is going to have to show me how to fold a burrito, again. :)
I'm so behind on recipes. I said I'd get off teh Internets and cook more, but it's so hard to quit :( sobre todo por historias como las tuyas
I definitely need to add Mexico to my list of places to see. I'm so jealous of all you people who have traveled internationally. Years ago my grandfather used to take groups of youth down to Mexico to do river runs and see the ruins. They made the trips very spiritual experiences,talking about the Book of Mormon, etc. How I wish I could have gone on one of those!
And I so love Mexican food! I had a friend of Mexican heritage teach me how to make tamales one New Year's Day. Yummy!
OK if you go live in Mexico you can no longer complain that I moved to Pittsburgh -- just warning you... lol
But I promise I will come and visit you at least once or twice!!
Love this post! I too love Mexico. I am so happy we are just moving to a different place in Mexico and not out of the country. And Merida is one of the best places I have ever been. Guapo always says he wants to retire to Merida!
The ruins are great, Mexicans are a very nice people, the food, the beaches. I have a great little beach south of Cancun if you guys vacation there.
Thanks for the recipe!
Naddin: You had to post the beer story. It was too classic.
NCS: 12 years ago? Do you ever go back? I can't believe you don't know how to fold a burrito, wink wink. I mean, don't they eat burritos in Mexico? How about Nachos? No? Wow, I've been deceived. :)
Nettie: Mmmmmmm, tamales....... Do you have the recipe? It would be a great post. I'd love to know how to make tamales.
Gabriela: If you retire to Merida and we do also, we'll have to hook up and miss our grandchildren together. A little beach south of Cancun? Does it have a giant shrimp statue on it? :)
My DH served in Guatemala too. He took me there in 1998. It was fabulous. I love the ruins. And Yah for mexican food. A 30 pack of tortillas is always on my shopping list. I will have to try your burrito recipe. It sounds yummy!
of all the exotic places i have been been i must admit i've never been to mexico- but it looks great- and my trip to texas brought some good mexican food- something new england sorely lacks- mmm good!
Post a Comment