Exploring Ancient Mesoamerica on a Cooking Vacation in Mexico
Filed Under Destination Features, Travel Tips Mexico
We love each of our culinary vacations in Mexico. Mexican cuisine is one of our favorites here at TIK, and living in Chicago means we have access to some really fabulous Mexican eateries, from authentic little mom-and-pop shops to high-end gourmet restaurants. But let's face it - if you're traveling to Mexico, chances are you want to see more than just the inside of a kitchen. We can talk about… Read
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Recipe for Mexican Chiltomate Sauce
Filed Under Food History, Recipes Mexico
Do you know where tomatoes come from? They first grew in the western part of South America, and were subsequently cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas over a thousand years ago before being introduced into Europe during the Sixteenth Century. Hailing from Mexico's Yucatan region, Chiltomate is considered one of the world's oldest tomato sauces. It is both easy to make and delicious, and is traditionally served with grilled meats.… Read
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Tamales, Tamales!
Filed Under Food History, Special Occasions Mexico, USA
The tamal or tamale dates back to as early as 7000 BC in ancient Mesoamerican history when Aztec women would tag along as cooks during battles. Because battles were long and far from home, sustainable food that was portable and easily heated was required and because tamales could be premade in large quantities, they quickly became popular. According to history, tamales were originally buried in hot ashes. Later the Aztecs… Read
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Chef Ana's Sopa de Lima
Filed Under Kitchen Tips, Recipes Mexico
Our hometown of Chicago, Illinois, is know as home to some of the best Mexican food outside of Mexico, but there is no doubt that if you want to enjoy the real deal, you should head to Mexico on a cooking vacation. In this recipe Chef Ana of our wonderful Hola Mexico culinary vacation offers a wonderful take on the popular Sopa de Lima, or "Lime Soup." Browse all of… Read
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Recipe for Chulibu'ul (Mayan Succotash)
Filed Under Food History, Recipes Mexico
This ancient Mayan recipe comes to us from Chef Mario and the late Chef David Sterling of Culinary Yucatan cooking vacation. It's a great option for a 4th of July cookout if you want an alternative to baked beans! Or, serve it as a side for a Mexican feast. The name, by the way, comes from the words "bu'ul" (bean) and "chul" (the process of scooping out the last bits… Read
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Trips for Two: Romantic Destinations
Filed Under Destination Features, Special Occasions France, Italy, Mexico
Looking for a last-minute Valentine's Gift? In addition to our many wonderful culinary tours for friends and families traveling together, as well as for solos, we offer cooking vacation destinations that just scream romantic getaway. What are some of our favorites culinary vacations for travelers looking to celebrate a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just a romantic week together? Here are a few of our favorites: 1) Mexico Let's face it.… Read
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