Why I Prepare dinner: Nibbles & Feasts’ Ericka Sanchez

The cookbook writer and blogger behind Nibbles & Feasts, Ericka Sanchez tells us how she cooks Latin American fare to cross on household traditions, and shares a recipe with us, too.
Born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Ericka Sanchez has her personal philosophy: Eat actual meals. And her “actual meals” of selection? The standard Mexican fare on which she was raised.
Her weblog, Nibbles & Feasts, and her two cookbooks, ¡Buen Provecho! and Aguas Frescas & Paletas, deliver Latin American delicacies to the desk in a giant—and vibrant!—method.
Style of Residence: What are your first reminiscences of cooking?
Ericka Sanchez: I began cooking throughout the summers of my childhood, after I would go to my grandma in Torreon. She owned a small comfort retailer, just like a bodega, and I helped her put together frozen treats, aguas frescas and the do-it-yourself meals she bought to prospects.
TOH: What components do you at all times hold in your kitchen?
ES: Dried chiles, comparable to guajillo, pasilla and arbol chiles. They hold nicely and come in useful when a dish wants a little bit of spice. They’re additionally lifesavers when you must put together a fast salsa recipe.
TOH: What’s your favourite conventional Mexican dish?
ES: I’m chilaquiles’ number-one fan! And with any sort of sauce: pink, inexperienced or mole.
TOH: And what’s one you are feeling is underrated?
ES: Nopalitos, or cooked cactus strips. I cook dinner a ridiculous quantity of cactus each week and add it to my scrambled eggs, salads, soups and stews. Cactus is wealthy in nutritional vitamins and antioxidants. It’s scrumptious, too!
TOH: You’re large on contemporary produce. What are new methods residence cooks can add seasonal bounty to their recipes?
ES: I wish to serve chopped fruit with our breakfast and prime it with amaranth, granola and honey. Additionally, contemporary fruit, comparable to strawberries, pineapple, mango and peaches, could be added to pico de gallo, and virtually any vegetable, comparable to squash, potatoes, carrots and tomatoes, could be added to soups or stews. They make dishes extra colourful and nutritious.
TOH: Describe writing your cookbook.
ES: I used to be a bit apprehensive about writing my story and letting readers know extra about me. However as soon as I began, I couldn’t cease. I’ve at all times had a listing of recipe “gems,” a number of childhood recipes I’ve held close to and pricey to my coronary heart, and I simply couldn’t publish these in a weblog. These deserved to be printed.
TOH: The recipes in your e-book are stunning. Do you’ve gotten any pointers for plating?
ES: A contact of inexperienced at all times helps. Cilantro sprigs, jalapeno slices or chopped lettuce leaves elevate a dish. You too can add some texture with chopped pepitas or finely crumbled Cotija cheese.
TOH: What’s your favourite factor about cooking? The “why” of why you cook dinner!
ES: I like introducing individuals to components. For instance, many individuals don’t eat cactus or hibiscus as a result of they don’t know find out how to put together it. I wish to train people who these cheap components are scrumptious and so good for you. I additionally need my son to have a group of recipes that he grew up with and might then cross on to his kids. Final however not least, it’s a type of saying “thanks” to my mom and grandmother for instilling their love of cooking in me.
Strive one in all Ericka’s favourite refreshing desserts, made with colourful, seasonal components. The recipe makes 10 servings.
Elements
- 1 lb. contemporary strawberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup contemporary basil leaves
- 1-1/2 tsp. contemporary lime juice
- 1/4 cup uncooked honey
- 3 strawberries
Instructions
Step 1: Mix up combination
In a blender, puree chopped strawberries, basil and lime juice till easy. Add honey; mix to mix.
Step 2: Divide amongst molds
Hull and slice complete strawberries. Divide berries amongst 10 pop molds or cups. Pour pureed combination into molds till nearly full. Prime molds with holders. If utilizing cups, prime with foil and insert sticks via foil.
Step 3: Freeze
Freeze till agency, at the very least 4 hours.
Get to know Ericka even higher! Comply with her on Instagram at @nibblesnfeasts or go to nibblesandfeasts.com.