Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Explaining the History of Mexican and American Recipes

By James Gartrell


Looking at the History of Mexican Cuisine. There are two crucial reasons that explain the difference and 1 of them is historical. At one time Mexico and part of the United States were all part of the Spanish Territory. Yet, Mexico remained under Spanish authority longer than the U.S., and the impact of Spanish cooking can be seen in our Southwestern States: Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California. Later, this part of the United States was mostly colonized by European immigrants, English, Dutch, German and French.

Nevertheless, for some time, those who came to Mexico hailed mostly from Spain, adding their lasting stamp to Mexico's unique dishes. Plenty of Mexican recipes are modifications of Spanish meals. You'll find some of the more classic dishes remained almost completely unaffected. This created an exclusive combination of cooking styles, attracted from the Spanish, using domestic ingredients and unique cooking methods.

American cooking, on the other hand, is much more diverse. We are kind of a melting pot of immigrants from all over the world, each bringing their own unique style of cooking methods and recipes that are still evolving even today.

Reason number two to clarify the difference between American and Mexican food is the geography. We in America learned to use our loca produce and even importing anything else we needed, the Mexican's adapted to their own ingredients, found locally, which created what we think of Mexican food today. Because of its warmer climate, most of their ingredients are easily accessible. Corn, chili peppers, pumpkins, etc., have all grown very easily there for thousands of years.

The adjustment of recipes from Europe to what was available in the new world has made American dishes what they are, while the alliance of Spanish methods and ingredients into the Mexican dishes has created what we think of as Mexican cuisine as we know it. Both are very enjoyable, but if you want something different discover a new Mexican dish and try it for yourself.




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