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Drying racks (CC photo by petirrojo courtesy of Flickr)

The gorgeous mexican pottery known as Talavera has an intriguing history that dates back to the 16th century. mexico is full of tales and stories, so it is sometimes difficult to trace the facts back. There is a pretty solid agreement, however, that the Talavera so popular in Mexican has far reaching roots in Spain. That is where it all began.

Applying the glaze (CC photo by petirrojo courtesy of Flickr)

While the indigenous people of Mexico have always produced beautiful pottery, in the 16th century they were taught skills that would take the art to a new level. Monks from Spain brought artisans to Mexico and these tradesmen taught local the art of pottery work known as majolica. Natural ingredients from the earth, namely clay, is transformed into pottery through use of potter’s wheels, molds or by hand.

Before and after (CC photo by petirrojo courtesy of Flickr)

While the intricate details of brushing pigments onto unfired glaze is part of the process that was missing from ancient Mexican pottery, the cultural vibrancy of the indigenous people would bring flare and brilliance to the pottery. Their use of colors and locally loved items, like flowers, foods, and animals, would set Mexican talavera a part from that of Spain.

Talavera factory in Dolores Hidalgo (CC photo by Joeh courtesy of Flickr)

Puebla was the first place that talavera took flight and today, it is the one place in Mexico with strict restrictions and standards that date back to the 16th century. These regulations are taken very seriously and even protected by the Mexican government. One such rule even dictates which clay can be used and even which area around Puebla where it can be gathered.

Talavera is indeed one of the most beautiful crafts found throughout Mexico, but a trip to one of the factories in Puebla or Dolores Hidalgo can offer an amazing snapshot of Mexican history. The colorful pottery that accompanies you back home holds a more sacred memory when you see how it is made.

Carnival in Ensenada (CC photo by E.Aviles courtesy of Flickr)

Around the world, the days before Lent are a time to celebrate and enjoy life to the fullest. Also known as Mardi Gras, in mexico however, Carnival is what is celebrated in the week before Ash Wednesday. While festivities differ from city to city, the overall theme is universal and the fun to be had is bountiful.

Carnival in Merida (CC photo by Xispo courtesy of Flickr)

If you are looking for culinary delights, then a trip to Mazatlan is sure to please. Two open-air festivals offer a grand collection of Mazatlan’s best food. Among the traditional favorites are mango shrimp and various smoked fish. Many cities have food carts selling all the familiar street fare that is easy to eat while walking along enjoying the exhibits and parades.

Carnival in Puebla (CC photo by Shanonala courtesy of Flickr)

If a more subdued celebration is your cup of tea, Merida is the place to enjoy the Carnival season. While not  as flashy as other mexican celebrations, it is still quite beautiful in a traditional and humble way. Men wear the traditional, and quite stunning, guayaberas while women don some of the most gorgeous hand embroidered dresses.

Possibly the King and Queen (CC photo by E.Aviles courtesy of Flickr)

The celebrations offer some of the very best food, music and entertainment available in each town. This is the time for indulging before going without during Lent. While many celebrations around the world lack much of the religious ties, Mexico maintains a high number of practicing Catholics who take the practice of Lent very seriously. Until Ash Wesdnesday, however, there is much fun to be had.

While the name, talavera, comes from the Spanish city of Talavera de la Reina, the pottery originated in the mexican cities of Puebla, Guanajuato, Mexico and Dolores Hidalgo. The Mexican pottery has strong Spanish and Chinese roots and comes from a form of pottery work known as majolica. Majolica is handmade using the earth’s resources as material and has become quite popular with eco-minded tourists.

Gorgeous blue talavera tiles (CC photo by Mexicanware courtesy of Flickr)

The beautiful art first found its way to Mexico in the 16th century. Throughout history, the art has been influenced by a wonderful mix of cultures including Egyptians, Moors, Spanish and Chinese. Mexico’s talavera is some of the most famous with tourists perusing various marketplaces for the most brilliantly colored to return home with.

Fuente de talavera (CC photo by El mundo de Laura courtesy of Flickr)

It is quite common to find talavera throughout all of Mexico and even into the United States. Puebla’s talavera has standards and regulations making it one of the most widely sought. And while there are collectors who can distinguish the various talavera styles, many simply enjoy the colors and pictures that call to them.

Brilliant talavera colors (CC photo by aussieguera courtesy of Flickr)

Flowers are one of the most popular paintings on talavera, but tiles can also have a picture made from several tiles forming a mosaic. This is becoming on of the most popular talaveras in the United States and can even be found in home improvement centers. Dishes and plates can sometimes hold small traces of lead and are usually used only as decoration. It seems like a great idea since the gorgeous colors and pictures do little good under a pile of food.

Look for this beautiful Mexican art throughout Mexico’s marketplaces and find art that you enjoy or that matches your decor. Artists are more than happy to explain the process for making their talavera and the history of their artform.

Queso fundido in Yucatan (CC photo by Jasjadekker1 courtesy of Flickr)

Melted cheese really has the magic to please even the most conservative palates. The many amazing cheeses found throughout mexico’s cities are the main reason queso fundido is such a deliciously popular dish. This cheese fondue is much different from other fondues, mostly because of the cheese used and ingredients added. It will probably never taste the same since recipes change from chef to chef. What will always remain is the delicious texture and indulgent qualities of this delicious cuisine.

Fundido from Puebla (CC photo by Marshlight courtesy of Flickr)

Queso Asadero is the most popular cheese for fundido in Mexico. Queso Manchengo is another delicious mexican cheese that seems made for melting. Monterrey Jack and Fontina both make good substitutes if Mexican cheese is not available. Additions to fundido can add interesting texture and taste. Tomatoes are a popular ingredient, as well as, chilies. The type of chili is going to make it hotter, sweeter or even offer a smoked quality. Mushrooms, garlic and cilantro are also popular additions.

Gooey marvel (CC photo by stu_spivack courtesy of Flickr)

The basic recipe calls for about one tablespoon of olive oil to about a half pound of cheese. The additional ingredients are usually cooked in the oil along with any spices then the cheese is gradually added while continuously stirring.

Queso from Monterrey (CC photo by cll1969 courtesy of Flickr)

Serving the dish can be tricky since the cheese begins to solidify fairly quickly. The molten mass, as seen above, is sometimes simply placed in a tortilla or over chips. One of the best ways to present fundido is how it is served throughout Mexico. The hot fundido is transferred to a sizzling hot cast iron skillet and carefully placed on the table. This method allows the cheese to cool more slowly, maintaining the perfect oozy characteristics that make it irresistible. Wherever your Mexican travels take you, make sure to try queso fundido.

What a way to start the day (CC photo by andresmh courtesy of Flickr)

It just doesn’t get better than coffee with a side of pan dulce, fresh from the best panederias in mexico. Above, a shop has been set up outside a train station in Chiapas offering coffee, pan dulce, arroz con leche and tamales. That’s the type of breakfast that will keep you smiling all day. Pan dulce has become one of the most common breakfast items and after dinner treats that throughout Mexico, and now, even extending into the U.S.

Choosing pan dulce (CC photo by Dolanh courtesy of Flickr)

Each town in Mexico seems to specialize in its own specific type of pan dulce. Like many foods of Mexico, towns and even families, put a special twist that differentiates their culinary treat from one another. Here, locals choose their favorites at a bread stall in Zihuatanejo in Guerrero, Mexico.

All shapes and sizes (CC photo by Fd courtesy of Flickr)

Regardless of which town you visit, the recipe for Pan Dulce is simple. A sweet yeast bread that comes in varying shapes and decorated with many different toppings. Colorful dessert toppings include the traditional conchas with bright pink, brown and yellow topping to pan dulce with a simple sugar coating or rainbow sprinkles. Even the simple mantecadas (shown below), which lack a topping, are one of the richest and most decadent breads you’ll ever experience.

Up close with mantecada (CC photo by El_Enigma courtesy of Flickr)

From Hermosilo to Puebla, and everywhere in between, pan dulce can be found in some form and is bound to be delicious. A must have with a side of coffee or hot chocolate, Pan dulce is perfect as an after meal treat or a simple breakfast food. When in Mexico, add pan dulce to your shopping list and indulge in this gorgeous sweet bread.