While everyone knows all about burritos, tacos and enchiladas, very few know much about Mexican desserts. Mexican cuisine offers so many delicious sweets that you will be hard pressed to decide on which one to try. Learn about some of the delicious treats you can sample from south of the border.
One of the most popular Mexican desserts in Mexico is a custard known as flan. This rich egg custard is served individually or in slices. They are topped with a delicious golden caramel sauce. Usually they are flavored with vanilla, but you can also sometimes get them in such flavors as coconut, lemon and other tropical fruits.
Another Mexican dessert that can often be found at restaurants in the US is empanadas. These wonderful pastries are filled with sweetened filling like pumpkin, fruit, or cream. In the US, you will often find them filled with apples or cherries. In some parts of Mexico, empanadas are also used for meals. They are stuffed with meat fillings or an egg mixture for the more savory variety. Empanadas are usually fried so they have a crispy exterior.
Mexico introduced chocolate to the world. The Aztecs used chocolate as a food and as money. Hot chocolate was a bitter drink when the Aztecs shared it with the Conquistadors. It was a drink enjoyed by Aztec royalty. They also made chocolate drinks with nuts, honey, or seeds. Today, many Mexicans enjoy a chocolate breakfast drink known as champurrado. This warm, thick beverage can be purchased from street vendors. This drink is also served with dessert, especially churros.
One of the many unique fruits found in Mexico is the sapote. If you are fortunate enough to find sapotes outside of Mexico, be sure to take advantage of your luck. Sapotes are used to make a delicious dessert known as sapotes dulces. Sapotes taste like a mixture of coconut and vanilla. The fruit is mixed with orange juice, rum, and sugar to make a chilled dessert.
Mexico is full of wonderful baked goods. All sorts of cakes, cookies, and sweet rolls are happy to vie for your attention. If you have a Mexican section at your grocery store, you may see some of these items from time to time. Some are made especially for festivals, like the sugar skulls made for the Day of the Dead. Others are enjoyed year round. Do not be afraid to sample some if you are lucky enough to come across them.
If you want to try making some of your own, take a look at the many Mexican recipes you can find online. Just do a quick search for “Mexican dessert” and you will find many delicious desserts to try. Why stick with the same tired desserts when you can try something different?
Once you have tried a few new desserts, your family will develop favorites of their own. You will learn which ones can be whipped up quickly and which will take some planning for a special occasion. You may end up learning new kitchen tricks, which can help you out with other recipes, too! Go ahead and jump right in. You will be amazed at how easy some of these wonderful desserts are to create.
