Homestyle traditions

For breakfast, the classic chilaquiles is made with leftover tortillas, queso fresco, crema mexicana (or sour cream) and tomato-chile sauce.

Enfrijoladas, fried tortillas covered in black bean sauce with queso fresco, sour cream and cilantro, make for tasty appetizers or a vegetarian entrèe.

Soup and stew menus get a boost with caldo de mariscos (seafood soup), tortilla soup, and sopa de albondigas (meatball soup).

Homemade tamales, enchiladas, stuffed chiles, roasted meats with rajas (poblano chiles in cream), and countless variations of moles can help round out entrèe selections.

For beverages, try featuring horchata (rice-based drink with ground almonds, cinnamon and sugar), aguas frescas (flavored and sweetened "waters" made with fruits or vegetables), and Mexican hot chocolate.

Mexican desserts wouldn't be complete without buÒelos (deep-fried fritters dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon), arroz con leche (rice pudding) and cajeta (caramel) tarts with apples or nuts.