WORLD STREET FOOD

Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

MEXICAN STREET FOOD

Mexican street food, called antojitos (literally "little cravings"), is prepared by street vendors and at small traditional markets in Mexico. Street foods include tacos, tamales, gorditas, quesadillas, empalmes, tostadas, chalupa, elote, tlayudas, cemita, pambazo, empanada, nachos, chilaquiles, fajita and tortas, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables, beverages and soups such as menudo, pozole and pancita. Most are available in the morning and the evening, as mid-afternoon is the time for the main formal meal of the day.

Mexico has one of the most extensive street food cultures in Latin America, and Forbes named Mexico City as one of the foremost cities on the world in which to eat on the street.

In Mexican Spanish, the fast foods prepared on the streets and in market stalls are called antojitos (literally "little cravings") because they are typically foods not eaten at a formal meal, especially not the main meal of the day, comida, which is served in the mid-afternoon. However, there are exceptions.

Street foods are easiest to find in the early morning and then the evening and late into the night. They are less available, especially outside of Mexico City, in the mid-afternoon. The majority of this food is based on corn products. The best street food is often found in and around markets and at public transportation stops.

 It is also found in street markets called "mercado sobre ruedas" or in Mexico City and near areas tianguis. One notable tianguis with food is the one in the midcentury neighborhood Colonia Nápoles which occurs on Sunday. Other areas in Mexico City noted for their street food are San Pedro de los Pinos market, Mercado San Juan Arcos de Belen, Calle López in the historic center and the Mercado de Antojitos ("street food market") in Coyoacán.

Tourists in Mexico tend to shy away from street food over health and sanitation concerns. As a result, they miss out on much of the best of Mexican cuisine. One Indicator suggesting safe food is a crowded stall. Locals tend to know what is good, and busy indicates that the food is not sitting around. It is also better if the cook is not handling the money.

Churros

These Mexican fritters are very common at fairs. In my border hometown, the line at this stand is always overwhelming. People wait hours in line just to get a taste of these churros. I have run across several recipes but this is the best one by far.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 cup water
• 2 ½ tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 quarts oil for frying
• ½ cup white sugar, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions Checklist

 Step 1

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in flour until mixture forms a ball.

 Step 2

Heat oil for frying in a deep fryer or deep pot to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pipe 5- to 6-inch strips of dough into the hot oil using a sturdy pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip. Do not overcrowd the oil. Fry until golden; drain on paper towels.

 Step 3

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll drained churros in cinnamon and sugar mixture.

And as always have a chilled day from the viking