BREAKFAST My grandmother always said that breakfast was the most important part of the day. I think it's true, we have to give our body the energy it needs as well as the nutrients and vitamins necessary to tackle our day happy and healthy. My day always begins with a green juice followed by breakfast 30 minutes later. The half hour difference is intended to aid in the digestion of the green juice. Also worth mentioning is that we must give the body a variety of flavors and nutrients and it is highly recommend people not consume the same juice or cereal every day. These recipes can be made with multiple variations, are quick and easy, and most importantly, lots of fun! I always recommend fruit at breakfast. In general, eating only one type of fruit per sitting is best, always seeking the best of in-season freshness. For those days when you crave a typical Mexican breakfast, I have included a few dishes with some healthy alternatives to tradition. People always ask me how to make a healthy cereal, and the one in this book is fast, easy, and delicious. If you consume eggs, try to buy organic, free range, certified antibiotic free. Sometimes these eggs can be a bit more expensive, but the benefits of added nutrition and freedom from antibiotics, certainly outweighs the increased cost. I implore you to investigate on your own and make informed decisions remembering that our body depends on all we consume. One of the most commonly known special quesadillas is huitlacoche. This is actually a bulbous fungus, the Aztecs had a tremendous appreciation for it and enthusiasts say that huitlacoche has a smoky-sweet flavor that's a cross between that of corn and mushroom. It is sold in cans or frozen in gourmet markets, and it also can be found in specialty produce markets (during corn season), and can also be purchased by mail order. It is very common in Mexico and if you have the opportunity I invite you to try one of the Aztec's delicacy. Authentic Mexican Quesadillas Quesadillas are found in almost every town in México. Señoras prepare them in their comales with fresh tortillas. There is no reason why you can't make these at home for your own breakfast table. Preparation time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 With Flor de Calabaza Ingredients ·½ onion, chopped ·1 clove garlic, minced ·2 tablespoons olive oil ·1 Serrano chile, chopped ·4 cups squash blossom or 2 cups huitlacoche ·½ cup of epazote, chopped ·Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ·Tortillas Procedure 1.Clean the squash flower by removing the pistils and stems. 2.Preheat a frying pan with olive oil and cook the onion, garlic and the serrano, constantly stirring until onion turns golden. 3.Add the epazote, squash blossoms, and salt. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. 4.Fold a tortilla in half, and add the mix. Place in a fry pan or griddle. Cook both sides until golden brown. Serve and enjoy. With Mushrooms Ingredients ·1 clove garlic minced ·½ onion chopped ·2 tablespoons olive oil ·4 cups mushroom sliced ·5 branches of epazote ·Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Procedure 1.Preheat a frying pan with olive oil and cook the onion, garlic and constantly stirring until onion turns golden. 2.Add the epazote, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. 3.Fold a tortilla in half, and add the mix. Place in a fry pan or griddle. Cook Chilaquiles There is no home in Mexican that doesn't eat chilaquiles for breakfast. There are many ways to prepare them but this is definitely one of the most delicious. Spicy: Medium Preparation time: 40 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients ·6 corn tortillas, cut into triangles ·5 red ripe tomatoes ·3 dried chipotle peppers ·¼ onion ·1 clove garlic ·1 cup water ·2 tablespoons olive oil ·¼ onion chopped into strips for decoration Optional Protein: Feel free to add anything like shredded chicken, tofu, or egg. Procedure 1.Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease. Paint tortillas with olive oil and place them on prepared sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Take care as to not burn them, but they should be well browned and crispy. 2.While tortillas are baking, bring the water, whole tomatoes, and whole peppers to a boil in a pot over medium heat. 3.Once tomatoes and peppers are soft, remove from heat and de-seed. 4.In a blender, process the tomato mixture with onions and garlic. 5.Preheat a pan with olive oil and add the sauce. Add water if necessary, gradually until the sauce has a thick consistency. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes. 6.Create a bed of the crispy tortillas on a plate, bathe with the sauce add chopped onion and extra ingredients, if desired. It is common these days to only have a few minutes to eat breakfast. Store bought cereal is a popular quick food option but full of sugar and lacking in nutrients. I love cereal and my homemade version is healthy, delicious, quick, and easy to make. You can enjoy it with one of the vegetable milks on this book. And I encourage you to make your own version. Easy Homemade Cereal Amaranth was a favorite ingredient of the Aztecs. It was believed to give warriors the energy needed to walk very long distances. It's hard to argue with the effectiveness of Moctezuma armies. Preparation time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 Ingredients ·A sweet/seasonal fruit of your choice such as apples, bananas or mangos, sliced in bite size pieces ·1 tablespoon chía ·1 tablespoon flaxseed ·1 tablespoon grated coconut ·½ cup puffed amaranth ·1 tablespoon of dried blueberries ·1 cup vegetable milk Optional: Honey Procedure 1.In a serving bowl, hydrate the chía in the vegetable milk while preparing the sweet/seasonal fruit of your choice. 2.Stir in remaining ingredients. 3.Add honey to sweeten according to taste. Feel free to pre-make mixes of dry cereals using ingredients such as oatmeal, amaranth, flaxseed, coconut, etc. Mix them in sealed jars so they are ready anytime! Make your own favorite version and have it ready to enjoy with fresh fruit. This lovely egg dish contains the colors of the flag of Mexico. Eggs can be a delicious and hearty start to your day as they provide your body with a good source of protein. Feel free to experiment with tofu as well in case you are a vegetarian or allergic to eggs. Simply substitute the eggs for your favorite tofu. Huevos a la Mexicana Spicy: Medium Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Servings:...
