History of Mexican Cuisine
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Sources- Mexonline.com, http://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/2011/01/rosca-de-reyesthree-kings-bread-recipe.html
Information
When the Europeans arrived in Mexico in 1517, Mexico's native peoples included the Aztecs of the central interior, the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Zapotec in the south. Their diet consisted mainly of corn, beans, peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes , squash, and herbs. Chocolate, native to Mexico, was considered a drink for people of higher class only. The Indians occasionally hunted, which gave them a diet of wild turkey, rabbit, deer, and quail.
Spain ruled over Mexico for more than 300 years. By the time Mexico gained its independence, Spain had left its mark on its people and culture, including their cuisine.
Corn is the basis of most of most Mexican dishes. Chicken and pork is more likely to be consumed than beef. There is no particular "Country dish" because each area of the country has their own dishes.
Mexicans celebrate Christian holidays , including Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) and Navidad (Christmas). Many festivities include native Indian traditions and meals.
While children on México’s Northern states received their presents in Christmas day, those living in Central México and the Southern states are still waiting for January 6th because it is the day when the 3 wise men from the Orient will arrive and bring their presents to baby Jesus. The holiday is also known by the name of the Epiphany which dates back to the 4th century. That day they will also celebrate eating the popular “Three Kings Bread” called Rosca de Reyes in México, and Mexican hot chocolate. People do not usually bake their Rosca bread. This is a busy time for the Mexican bakeries that will be selling these delicious Roscas not just to eat at home, but also in the office or school. Shaped in a round shape to signify a king's crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside the bread, or rosca, is a plastic little doll (about one inch long) representing baby Jesus. The effigy of the baby Jesus, hidden inside the cake, represents another aspect of the holiday. The reason Jesus is 'hidden' inside the bread is to symbolize how in life, the Christ child's birth location also needed to remain secret, in order to ensure his life would be spared. The ruler of Jerusalem at the time, King Herod, had been appraised of the mystical signs that indicated the new and rightful King of Jerusalem was soon to be born. Herod's reaction to these predictions was swift and horrible. He ordered his minions to murder all male infants recently born in Bethlehem. However, as destiny would have it, Mary and Joseph found their lodgings in a manger, not an inn. Herod's henchmen didn't think to look for an infant in such a location. Whoever gets the doll in their slice has to cook tamales on February 2nd. Also called Candelaria Day.
Recipe-
Dough:
1½ ounces compressed yeast
½ cup warm water
1¼ cups sugar
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
1¾ cups butter , at room temperature
8½ cups flour
8 eggs
Paste:
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1¾ cup flour
Candied fruits (optional)
Directions
Make the dough: Stir the yeast into the warm water and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
Add the eggs, mixing thoroughly.
Add the dissolved yeast.
Slowly add the flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
On a large baking sheet, shape the dough into a ring, pressing the ends together to make a full circle.
Cover the ring with a clean cloth or dishtowel and let sit in a warm place (to rise) for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F just before baking.
Make the paste : Mix together the butter and sugar, add in the egg, and gradually mix in flour.
This paste can be used to decorate the top of the cake once it has risen but before it is baked.
The typical decoration is rays that come out from the center.
Candied fruits may be pressed into the cake before baking.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until cake is golden brown.