My search for cilantro substitutes, which gave me my first introduction to papalo, also introduced me to another herb called Rau ram (1) and, although this herb was found in Teubners book (2) as a potential substitute for cilantro, its flavour was simply too different and I have never really used it (either in cooking or medicinally). I have grown it though. I do have … Continue reading Cilantro Substitute : Kesum
Welcome to my 200th Post. My initial reason for starting this Blog began with a single herb; Papaloquelite. I first came across this herb when I was searching for cilantro substitutions and it was a book by a German chef (Christian Teubner) that introduced me to the first in this family, Quillquina (Porophyllum ruderale) (1). Richters Herbs in Canada has been growing and selling herbs … Continue reading Ayauhtona. Another Poreleaf?
Don’t judge me. OK, maybe you can judge just a little bit (but not like the stupid laughing cow). It appears that the more commercialised a taco is the further it strays from Gods light. I came upon this culinary travesty in my local dependant grocer. It reminded me of the sin against nature known as the “gas station burrito” and I knew that, without … Continue reading Taco Travesty
This Post is just a bit of a self indulgence. I have a small collection of masks and am particularly interested in prehispanic designs. I came across this mask on a local Facebook Marketplace posting. It appears to be quite touristic in nature and I wanted to share the find with a Mexican folk art group in an attempt to find more detail on it. … Continue reading Máscara Maya? Mayan Mask?
Cover image : cacaloxochitl (Nahuatl raven – flower)(Plumeria rubra) or the Frangipani tree. This tree was highly prized in Aztec society. It was planted in the gardens of the elite classes of society and, amongst the Maya, plumeria was associated with deities representing life force and fertility. The flowers became strongly connected with a wide range of expressions of female sexuality (Zumbroich 2013). Intoxication need … Continue reading Xochipilli : Intoxicating Scent.
Cover Image via Sensi Seeds (this Post does not cover cannabis at all. In English, ‘skunk’ has become slang for any potent, high-THC strain of cannabis. The media often uses ‘skunk’ to define ‘street weed’, usually in a derogatory fashion. In fact, Skunk #1 is the official name of one of the oldest and most popular strains of cannabis, and there is a ‘Skunk family’ … Continue reading Skunkweed and the Skunk
I think I have answered my own question but bear with me. It’s a process. I like to collect Mexican folk art and amongst my collection I have several wooden masks. I have come upon a bit of a mystery (possibly of mistaken identity) regarding a mask in my collection. I purchased this mask (above) second hand from a woman who reckons she (probably) purchased … Continue reading Mascara Mexicana? Mexican Mask?
The author has not received (nor sought) any funding from any of the brands noted in this Post. Any opinions are solely those of the author. The world’s first celebrity tequila is said to have begun with a People magazine article from December 1983 showing the nuptials of rocker Keith Richards and model Patti Hansen at the Finisterra Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Back … Continue reading Celebrity Tequila. Cultural Appropriation? Gentrification?
Cover photo : the tendency of the Northern States (of México, not el otro lado) to consume their menudo with a bolillo rather than the typical tortilla. Strap yourself in. This one rambles a bit. I’m trying to sort something out in my head. Lalo Alcaraz is an American cartoonist most known for being the author of the comic La Cucaracha, the first nationally syndicated, … Continue reading “Cultural” Appropriation of Cuisines?
City Farm is a not-for-profit community organisation that has been running an Urban Farm for over 25 years located only a few minutes from the centre of Perth. This unique urban sanctuary is a working urban farm that focuses on recycling, sustainability and community support. One service they offer is a small commercial kitchen and (larger) dining area. In this space has popped up an … Continue reading Product Review : Mole de Xico
Masa Americana 