Essays and Stories

The World in a Tortilla

Cuisines, really most things, hinge on the perfect execution of something most of us think little about. In Mexican food, it is the tortilla.

Mexican

Mexican Picadillo

Mexican picadillo is the real "taco meat" that Americans are used to. This picadillo is from Sonora and is not sweet like many others.

Mexican

Nopales en Escabeche

A recipe for nopales en escabeche, pickled nopales from Mexico. Prickly pear cactus pads, diced and piickled with jalapenos, carrots and onions.

Mexican

Venison Carne Seca

Carne seca is Mexican jerky, but they typically pound it into threads to make machaca, with you eat in a sauce.

Mexican

Pipian Rojo

Pipian rojo is a Mexican sauce with nuts and seeds, chiles, a touch of tomato and spices. I'm serving it with squirrel here.

Mexican

Mexican Chorizo

Mexican chorizo is very different from its Spanish cousin. Mexican chorizo is softer, spicier and more floral than Spanish chorizo.…

Mexican

Hank’s Turkey Mole

Turkey mole is a dish that dates back to the Aztecs and Maya. There are many versions of the mole, the complex sauce that goes with the turkey. This is mine.

Mexican

Caldo Tlalpeño

This is caldo tlalpeno, a classic Mexican chicken and vegetable soup, made with quail, turkey or pheasants. It's loaded with vegetables, chickpeas, lime and avocado.

Mexican

Salsa Negra

Black salsa. Sounds weird, but this sauce is addicting, and goes well on anything.

Fish

How to Make Dried Shrimp

Dried shrimp are used in many cuisines, from Mexico to Southeast Asia to West Africa. Here's how to make dried shrimp at home.

Mexican

Squid Ceviche

Squid ceviche is a great alternative to fish. And I am stoked to have my first calamari recipe on this site - because I caught it!

Ducks and Geese

Duck Tacos

Duck or goose confit, chopped and stuffed in a taco, served with special salsa verde. So good.