b'CHILES EN NOGADATypically made to celebrate Independence Day, chiles en nogada is a festive dish in the colors of the Mexican flag. It consists of a roasted and peeled poblano chile pep-per stuffed with minced meat and dried fruit. Some insist the authentic stuffing ingredients should be meat and biznaga, a candied cactus. The stuffed pepper is then topped with a creamy white walnut sauce FLAVORS FOR THE SOUL and pomegranate arils. TAMALEOne of Mexicos oldest dishes HUACHINANGO A LAis the tamale, a labor-intensiveVERACRUZANA meal when prepared theI cannot say enough great things about our tripWith Spanish and pre-coloni- traditional way. Cornmeal with Enchanting Travels! From the planning withal influences this dish comesdough or masa is filled with Bo, to day-to-day coordination with Ashwini, thefrom Veracruz on the Gulf ofmeat, beans, cheese, and salsa entire process was stress-free and totally catered toMexico, but is served through- and then wrapped and steamed what we wanted. Bo did a great job balancing theout Mexico. It consists of redin corn husks or banana leaves. activities that we wanted while allowing enoughsnapper baked with tomatoes,Innumerable regional variations free time to explore on our own. Though wetraveled during Feb 2020, we felt completely safeherbs, green olives, capers, chileexist including sweet versions, and in good hands. Everything was perfect. peppers, and lime. The mellow,tamales stuffed with fish, or We had such a blast on our honeymoon!spicy sauce and fish go well withothers roasted on an open fire. Danica Mutari, USA steamed rice. During year-end festivities, tamales are a must.TLAYUDAAt markets, food stalls, and restaurants in Oaxaca, tlayuda or Mexican pizza, is everywhere. Large, thin corn tortillas are grilled, and a refried bean puree Mexico slathered on. Shredded lettuce, cabbage, onions, etc. are layered on along with stringy quesillo cheese, sliced meat, and cilant-ro. Eaten anytime at all, its also a coveted midnight snack picked on-the-go from street vendors. INA food-focused vacation lets you explore a countrys inner workings, its cultural soul. Discover Mexico, through its culinary heritage and dizzying array of regional ingredients and flavors. Heres a small sample of some Mexican favorites, though every dish has endless regional variationsENCHANTING TRAVELS \x1a 27'