Apple bunuelos (photo by zordor courtesy of Flickr)

Bunuelos are a tasty bread dish that can look very different depending on the part of Mexico you are traveling. In most cases, bunuelos appear as a fried fritter that can be made with a simple yeast dough, some anise flavoring or fruit  added, like the above apple bunuelos.

The variations of bunuelos are seen in the overall appearance of the treat. While some appear like American fritters where the dough is simply poured into oil creating a free form, others can be made with a mold. Some bunuelos are rolled in balls while other will take those balls and roll them out tortilla style before frying.

Molded bunuelo from the Epcot Center (photo by sanctum solitude courtesy of Flickr)

However the bunuelo shape is formed, it usually has some sort of sweet topping. While hot, the bunuelo is traditionally rolled in sugar and cinnamon. Some places, however, drench the donut in an agave syrup. Either way, the dessert is an extraordinary side dish for coffee.

A bunuelo cart (photo by daquellamanera courtesy of Flickr)

Like many popular foods, bunuelos can be bought from carts in market places or along the side of the road. Some, like the one above, sell the flat variety which makes this street food easier to carry around while shopping. The bunuelos can also be found bagged and ready to take home.

Bunuelos in the fryer (photo by cirofono courtesy of Flickr)

Regardless of the shape of the bunuelo, the taste is usually phenomenal. While Bunuelos are popular for Posada and the New Year, many families enjoy the sweet indulgance through out the entire year.

Chapulines as a topping (photo by Cesar Rincon courtesy of Flickr)

The popularity of Mexican cuisine has found its way onto the tables of homes across the world. Tacos, enchiladas and chips with salsa are just a few favorites. How do you think your family would feel about seasoned insects?

Visit cities like Oaxaca or Puebla and the local marketeers are sure to offer a culinary delight that has been enjoyed in the region for over 3,000 years. Chapulines, which are cooked and seasoned grasshoppers, are quickly becoming a popular favorite of tourists.

Chapulines in the marketplace(photo by Matt Murf courtesy of Flickr)

These crispy delights can be eaten as a snack, much like nuts, sunflower seeds or popcorn. Vendors often sell small bags of Chapulines so shoppers can eat while perusing the marketplace. There can be various flavors for Chapulines, but the most common is flavored with lime. Chili-flavored Chapulines are popular, but some locals believe the chili is usually used to cover the taste of stale grasshoppers. Still, many adore the hotter variety.

Chapulines sold in Cholula(photo by Andresmh courtesy of Flickr)

Visit Oaxaca, and the popular tlayudas are enjoyed with Chapulines as the meat. Tlayudas are a crunchy taco that usually has a smear of refried beans and pork lard and a topping of meat and lettuce or cabbage. Oaxacan cheese, of course, is also added. Chapulines and guacamole are also a marriage made in Mexican heaven and the two create a delightful treat as the topping for a tlayuda.

Tlayudas with chapulines (photo by erlin1 courtesy of Flickr)

Chapulines can be a delightful snack while enjoying the Mexican marketplace or a divine dinner topping for a delicious tlayuda. Although bizarre to some, the chapuline quickly becomes a favorite of tourist because of the crispy and flavorful characteristics similar to potato chips or fried soybeans.

The bizarre becomes standard fair once you give into this intriguing delicacy. With popular shows highlighting chapulines, maybe it stands a chance to become the next snack food favorite.