As the seasons begin to change, so does my mood. I get a little pep in my step in the cocina and begin to daydream about the warmer months ahead. My mind flows with ideas about all of the thirst-quenching aguas frescas I’ll be preparing over the summer. This lip-puckering agua de tamarindo is definitely at the top of my list. It’s part of the “holy trinity” of aguas frescas, which includes tamarindo (tamarind), jamaica (hibiscus), and horchata.
Jugo verde is as vibrant as the Mexican mercados from which it hails. Translated as “green juice,” it is loaded with nutrients and made with fresh fruits and vegetables that will help you power through your day, which is probably why it is so popular among market goers in Mexico. Making it is easy, but you must get the proportions just right to enjoy the mercado-grade concoction that I have come to love. Read More…
Smoothies don’t have to be boring and predictable. If you find yourself juggling a career, housework, family life, friendships, and virtual classes and meetings all while trying to maintain a well-balanced diet, then this list of wholesome smoothie ingredients should come in handy. Smoothies are my go-to when I need something quick, nutritious, and filling to kickstart my day and hold me over until I have time for a proper meal. Having the right mix of ingredients at your disposal will help put an extra pep in your step and get you through your day, or at least through a few virtual Zoom meetings.
To our salud,
Lola
If you’re looking for the perfect simple syrup for the fall, look no further. This spiced syrup blends ingredients and flavors reminiscent of café de olla – piloncillo (Mexican cone sugar), cinnamon, and orange. It’s perfect mixed into coffee, drizzled over strawberries or ice cream, and served alongside buñuelos.
This week has been all about aguas frescas and to kick off your Memorial Day weekend festivities, I’ve put together a roundup of ways to dress up your drinks with fun garnishes and rims. Whether you’re serving aguas frescas or cocktails, you can bedazzle your bebidas with ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
¡Salud!
Lola
Dolores Wiarco Dweck, known by her nearest and dearest as Lola, has a great appreciation for Mexican cuisine and culture. Lola's culinary mentors include her relatives and friends as well as some of Mexico’s great chefs and home cooks. She preserves and shares her favorite recipes through Lola’s Cocina.
