Exciting Delivery!

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.