Mexican cuisine was influenced by both indigenous peoples and Spanish conquistadors. Traditional ingredients include corn, beans, tomatoes, chocolate, avocado, and chili peppers. The six regions of Mexico have distinct culinary traditions, though central Mexico influenced the others. Classic dishes are often corn-based and accompanied by tortillas, while beverages include tequila, beer, aguas frescas, and hot chocolate made from cacao beans brought by the Aztecs.

1. Mexican Food and Beverages By Denice Perez

2. History Spanish Conquistadores arrived in Mexico City Diet consists of corn-based dishes with chiles and herbs. Beans, nopales and tomatoes Indigenous people ate avocados, papaya, guava, jicama 1. www.gourmetsleuth.com/...Beverages.../chocolate-mayordomo.aspx

3. Mexican Cuisine Mayan Indians influence The conquest of Mexico by Spain in 1521 had a great influence on Mexican cuisine. Traditional ingredients include beans, chocolate, corn, squash, tomatoes, chocolate, avocado, vanilla, spices, and of course, chili peppers.

4. Regions in Mexico The six regions of Mexico differ greatly in their cuisines Central Mexico's cuisine is largely influenced by the rest of the country, but has unique and tasty dishes such as barbacoa, pozole, menudo, carnitas. 1. www.gourmetsleuth.com/...Beverages.../chocolate-mayordomo.aspx

5. Tradition 1. www.gourmetsleuth.com/...Beverages.../chocolate-mayordomo.aspx

6. Classic Meals 1. www.gourmetsleuth.com/...Beverages.../chocolate-mayordomo.aspx

7. Chocolate Chocolate played an important part in the history of Mexican cuisine Chocolate was first drunk rather than eaten. It was used as currency and for religious rituals. he drink, called xocoatl, was often flavored with vanilla, chili pepper, and achiote 1. www.gourmetsleuth.com/...Beverages.../chocolate-mayordomo.aspx

8. Tortillas The word tortilla Spanish denotes two different classes of foods, one basically an omelette which may have added ingredients, the other a flat thin cake of maize or flour. The Aztecs used a lot of corn, both eaten straight from the cob and in recipes. They ground the corn, and used the cornmeal to make a dough called masa. 1. www.gourmetsleuth.com/...Beverages.../chocolate-mayordomo.aspx

9. Beverages Tequila Beer Aguas Frescas - Mango - Cantaloupe - Pineapple -Watermelon Hot Chocolate - chocolatl means chocolate in Nahautl in an Aztec language .