Dinner Recipes for a Mexican Christmas

There are many versions of Christmas that are celebrated around the world today. Each culture that does celebrate has its own style and traditions especially in the dinner that is served. In the Mexican culture, Christmas dinner is usually on Christmas Eve which is known as "Nochebuena." Even if you do not make a complete Mexican Christmas meal, you can still incorporate several elements into your holiday meal.

Turkey Stuffing

1 Lb. Ground Beef

1 Lb. Ground Pork

2 Chopped Onions

2 Lbs. Peeled Tomatoes

10 Chopped Garlic Cloves

6 Ounces White Raisins

1 Cup Dry White Wine

6 Ounces Pitted Green Olives

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

Onion and garlic should be added to a heated pan until the onions are cooked. Make sure to keep stirring so that the garlic does not burn. Add the pork and beef until cooked through. Next, add the peeled tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes. After this step, add in the one cup of wine, white raisins and olives. You will know when it is finished when the wine has reduced down fifty percent.

Mexican Red Rice

1 ½ Cups White Rice

½ Chopped Onion

2 Cloves Garlic

¼ Cup Olive Oil

3 Small Tomatoes cut into big chunks

3 Cups Chicken Stock

1 Cup Frozen Corn

Put tomatoes, and garlic in a blender and blend until you are left with a smooth paste. Add rice to a heated, oiled saucepan followed by the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes, drain out the oil and add the blended tomato and garlic mixture. You want to cook it until all of the mixture is soaked into the rice and then add the chicken stock. Next you want to bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat until the liquid is gone. After that, add the frozen corn and cook on low heat for a few minutes. Turn the heat off, and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Mexican Christmas Cookies

1 Egg

3 Cups Purpose flour

1 ½ Tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Shortening

¼ Cup Orange Juice

½ Tsp Salt

2/3 Cups Sugar

2 Tbsp. Sugar

1 Tsp. Anise Seed

1 Tbsp. Cinnamon

Combine shortening, anise seed, and sugar in a bowl and begin to mix with a mixer on high until it reaches a fluffy consistency. Add in the egg and continue to mix on high. Mix in orange juice next, but this time, mix on medium speed. Next, add the flour, baking powder and salt and combine together until it is mixed well. After mixing the dough, combine the 2 Tbsp. of sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Next, begin to roll the dough on a floured surface and then separate the dough into desired shapes. Dip the tops of the cookie into the cinnamon sugar mixture and then place onto a baking sheet. Bake the cookies 325 Degrees F. for about 10 minutes.