The Day of the Quesadilla

Yes, contrary to the trend that seems to be happening on this blog, I actually do more than eat all day. But, I just couldn't resist sending a few more pictures of food. So, about those delicious doughnuts I was raving in the last blog...See for yourself. Yes, I will be having one for dessert and the other two for breakfast.



An interesting fact explained to me by Nancy (my tia, or aunt, here who owns the internet cafe and school supply store next to my building): quesadillas cooked here during the day are made with flour tortillas and are cooked as you or I might have them in the U.S. at most restaurants. An order for a quesadilla would be a flour tortilla filled with cheese. A sincronizada would be a quesadilla filled with ham and cheese (and often something else like avocado--my late lunch/snack today). At night, quesadillas are made with masa, filled, closed then cooked in oil until golden brown. Hungry by about 8pm after a long day of reading at the Instituto Mora, Nancy convinced me to try out the quesadilla stand just around the corner. Mind you, a truck pulls up on the sidewalk and a family sets up shop cooking sopes (open faced tacos with beans, onions, and other toppings you might like) and quesadillas to order...until who knows how late in the evening. But, they've got this down to a science and it seemed a popular spot...hence my wait of about 10 minutes. So, to the real heart of this post. Dinner. I ordered three quesadillas para llevar (to go). The first was filled with beans and cheese, the second with picadillo (pork with tomatoes, onions, and other spices), and the third was chicken guisado (stewed with tomatoes, chiles, and other spices). When she told me the salsa was hot, I told her to lay it on thick. And as an afterthought, I thought a little sour cream would go well on top. If they looked delicious in the photo, you have no idea how wonderful they tasted. I did, however, try to give you some idea.




Other (soccer) news to report: In spite of their win last night, the Mexicans were anything but happy about their performance in the 2-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago. The doom and gloom predictions are in about what it will take for Mexico to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Also, I will be making my Mexican amateur soccer debut next Wednesday at 7:20 pm in the Parque Alamos in the neighborhood where I live. Although I doubt it will make international news, it might be worth looking at the Thursday edition of the NY Times just to see (and for any Republicans out there who might be reading this, yes, this once you should break out of your comfort zone to check www.nytimes.com). Sí este gringo sabe jugar...

Likewise, I must give credit for my brother's shout out. For some interesting food related info on Costa Rica, check out his most recent post at The Adventures of Wes & Laura.