Postcard from Riviera Maya: A Mexican Fiesta + Churros

For me, any vacation that involves sand, ocean and abundant sunshine is like a taste of heaven on earth. And enjoying it amidst a girls' getaway makes it even more special.  That was the scene when I traveled to the Riviera Maya a couple of years ago.  My friend and I had one supreme agenda: R&R.  Hers translated to rest and recreation (horseback riding on the beach, a local tour, roller blading and such); mine stayed true to the more traditional rest and relaxation regimen, heavy with beach, beach and more beach, although I did enjoy a bike ride around the stunning resort grounds, a tour of the main dining kitchen, a casual cooking lesson, a dance lesson here and there, and the nightly (almost karaoke) live band. :)  

And of course, there was the food.  The resort boasted several restaurants specializing in varied cuisines from French to Thai to Italian to American--and their signature Mexican.  As resort food goes, it was pretty good.  

A fun lesson on making guacamole

On our last evening there, however, we were delighted with an authentic Mexican fiesta, replete with gorgeous dancers and Mariachi for entertainment, and a feast to remember.  I enjoyed every minute of the lively celebration and the beautifully displayed foodscape, especially the lavish dessert bar that featured, among other delicacies, churros.  Well, you don't have to guess if I indulged.

While I'm not in Mexico today, this recipe for churros, along with my memories, brings Mexico home to me.  If you love sweet, cinnamon-y, fried pastry dough (who doesn't?!), then you'll want to make these.  And for extra yumminess, pair them with decadent hot chocolate for sipping or melted chocolate for dipping.  So. Good.

Churros!

Happy Eating!

Churros

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
Pinch of salt
1 egg
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Method:

Combine sugar and ground nutmeg. Spread on plate.

Combine flour, water, butter, orange peel and salt in medium saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until dough forms ball and leaves film on bottom of pan, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer to processor. Blend in egg.

Heat oil in deep skillet to 350°F. Spoon batter into pastry bag fitted with 1/4-inch star tip. Working in batches, pipe batter onto oil in about 4-inch-long ribbons. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Turn churros in sugar mixture and serve.

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious.com

  




 

Toast With This!: The Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate

If you're looking to turn up the cozy factor this holiday season--and beyond, I've got just the thing to warm your insides and leave you smiling from ear to ear: the perfect cup of hot chocolate.  Hot chocolate is one of those drinks that brings out the kid in us all and allows us to indulge in sweet, chocolate-ty goodness with reckless abandon (well, almost). 

Although I've settled for the package mix blended with hot water before, when I'm wanting to really get my hot chocolate fix and enjoy a special indulgence, I start with the best ground chocolate I can find and add in a few special touches.  The yield is sweet, chocolate, creamy decadence in a cup. 

It's the perfect cup of hot chocolate, the perfect indulgence, and worthy of a toast or two!

Happy Sipping!

The Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

Single serving measure of your favorite ground chocolate (*Recommended: Ghirardelli or other fine chocolate mix)

1 cup of milk

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Marshmallows for garnish (optional)

Add milk and cinnamon stick to a small pot.  Slowly heat milk over a medium heat, allowing the cinnamon to infuse the milk.   As the milk begins to come to a slow boil, reduce the heat and stir in the chocolate, vanilla and sugar.  Stir to thoroughly blend all the ingredients and continue heating for another 1-2 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick.

Pour into your favorite mug, garnish with whipped cream, marshmallows and a fresh cinnamon stick.  Enjoy!

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