Monday, December 15, 2008

Mexican Cookies for Everyone

By KC Kudra

Special occasions call for special treats. There is quite a variety of Mexican cookies. Some are for anytime, while others are made at celebrations. Some are served at holidays while others are found at weddings. Whatever the time, they are sure to make anyone's mouth water with the sweet aromas and delicious tastes.

What are Mexican Wedding Cookies?

Wedding Cake cookies are traditional Mexican cookies. They are made out of shortbread. Some of the ingredients include different nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pecans that are ground. These cookies are very popular. They are served around Christmas, but also at Mexican weddings and anniversaries. Throughout the world, there are different variations of these cookies. Russia and Sweden refer to the cookie as Tea Cakes.

Mexican Biscochitos Cookies

Biscochitos originated in Spain. The Spanish brought the cookies to Mexico and they gained popularity there. Biscochitos are made with aniseed and dusted with cinnamon. Some biscochitos contain other ingredients, such as wine or orange juice, to enhance the taste. Cookie cutters are used to give them their unique diamond shape and it is common to serve these with wine.

Marranitos, Cochinos, or Puerquitos Cookies

Marranitos is a cookie with different names. It is also called cochinos or puerquitos in different Mexican-American communities. It is known as "gingerbread pigs" even though there is no ginger in the cookie. The cookie is shaped like a pig. Traditional marranitos get their spicy flavor from molasses. In Mexico, the bakers make their own molasses syrup by taking brown sugar and placing it into cones. It is then boiled with the right amount of water.

When it has turned into syrup, the molasses is added to the dough to make the marranitos. These Mexican cookies are rich in taste, moist and have a flaky top.

Mexican Churros - The Hot, Fried Snacks

Originating from Spain, Churros are tasty fried cookies that are seen in both Mexico and other countries. It is made from a light paste that is sweetened. The paste is piped into oil and fried until golden brown. Cinnamon is added to make it taste even sweeter. Churros are best when eaten warm. It is typical to find street vendors selling Churros. They can make them fresh right on the street.

Years ago, it used to be hard to find Churros outside of Hispanic areas, it used to be only sold at carnivals, and sporting events, but with the popularity of Latin food, it is now easy to find Churros in local restaurants and Mexican grocery stores. Some companies even offer the Churros that have an inner filling. You can find different flavors such as strawberry, apple, and chocolate. Churros are enjoyed in the United States by consumers of all nationalities.

As you can see, there are plenty of types of Mexican cookies. You might like to visit a Mexican grocery store and taste a few different types. You might even want to follow a churros recipe or Mexican wedding cooking recipe and make your own tasty Mexican treats! - 16955

About the Author:

No comments: