So now, I know I have been a bit A.W.O.L after only one post,
but I have been a busy lady. One thing I
did for a week while watching my 5 year old during the holiday break was to
watch as many cooking shows as possible.
Very happy I did, I do prefer not to watch any television these days,
but what I noticed was Latin ingredients and praise for Latin food. First, it was Jamie Oliver during his 15
minute meals who used Ancho chilies in his Vegetarian Bean Chili. I instantly was excited because that means
the Mexican Chili culture has found a soft spot in the hearts of world renowned
British Chefs, especially Jamie Oliver who has such an influence into what
makes it into our supermarkets here in the UK.
Secondly, was Nigella Lawson, Britain’s smoking hot culinary
diva who on top of being sexy and glamorous, has children and does school runs
like the rest of us. This particular
episode included lots of praise for Latin American food and she actually said
she felt it was the next big thing.
Ceviche, Roqamole (Roquefort blue cheese and avocado), quesadillas and a
corn soup topped with cheese nachos.
Hey, they are getting there!
Lastly, is the first winner of UK Masterchef, Tomasina Meyers with her
cooking show, Mexican food made simple. I literally tune the world out when this show
comes on. She visits locations in mostly
Oaxaca, Mexico and shares their authentic street food and traditional food,
then shares a UK adaptation that makes the ingredients as accessible as
possible.
Well I have mentioned previously that I have researched some
stockists of Mexican and Latin American ingredients. Recently, I ordered Pasilla Chilies, Ancho
Chilies, Achiote Paste and Chipotle Powder online from the Cool Chile Co. and
was happy with the delivery and the quality, not to mention the “cool”
packaging. Then a week ago in Hereford
City Centre I noticed a shop called Spiceworks.
They are nationwide and retail spices galore. I didn’t have time to pop in but noticed a
sign in the window, Smoked Chipotle Chilies. Yes! No shipping to be paid. I did eventually get my hands on those bad
boys yesterday. Spiceworks had a stand
at the Hereford Food Festival strategically located next to the gorgeous
Hereford Cathedral, and I was able to meet one of their reps and have a good
chat on perhaps stocking ingredients I need.
Maybe? Never know until you
ask. Here are a few photos of my newly
acquired chili products, as well as, my latest pride and joy purchase, Frida’s Fiestas written by Guadalupe Rivera and Marie-Pierre Colle,
Frida Kahlo’s step daughters, and is a compilation of recipes and memories of
their life in the “Blue House” where love, art, national pride (Mexican) and a
whole lot of fiesta’s where the theme of daily life. A joyous read and one I had to order from the
USA, but it was affordable thanks to Amazon.
Perhaps these pictures will inspire you to purchase one or even just to
venture into Mexican food in general. A
pleasure your taste buds will never, ever forget.
