La cena con Senora Tico

La ama de casa - Senora Tico con un hombre muy guapo!

Un Tamale con tomate y queso

La comida no es la cosa primera en la vida, pero es casi la cosa primera! My spanish is still pretty awful but hopefully this says - food is not the most important thing in life but it is almost.  Here in Mexico and specifically in Oaxaca food is treated with the reverence it deserves and food and eating food occupies a central role in daily life (well in my life anyway).  I have been here in Oaxaca three days and I have yet to eat the same thing twice such is the variety of food available.  Above is some street food my host Senora Tico served me for cena (pronounced sena - a light snack served at night).  On the plate is a tamale a maize dough stuffed with frejoles (beans stewed with onion garlic and herbs) wrapped in a corn husk and baked or barbequed. The tamale is served with fresh tomato and ricotta like cheese. Es muy rico!  Senora Tico just keeps on bringing out these delicious dishes one after another. 

This afternoon in la escuela we learnt how to make Chaparuzzo - Hot Chocolate with a maize base. Quite delicious. You soak maize kearnels in water then mouli them into a 'milk'. Then boil the milk until it becomes thick like a beschamel sauces. Add some Oaxacan Cacao and boil  for a bit. Then drink - Delicious!