¡Delicioso!
Whether you have been South of the border on a trip, or for a day, or whether you became acquainted with the flavors of Mexican candies through a friend who shared, it's always fun to come across the flavors every once in a while on your own turf. Perhaps you are hoping to accent a celebration with a piñata, or help your child add a little touch to a cultural presentation. Or, maybe you just love the combinations of sweet fruit flavors such as sandia (watermelon) or mango with the spicy picante of chile. Whatever your reason, it's fun to track down and buy Mexican candy.
Generally, you can find some types of Mexican treats in the Hispanic Foods section of your grocer, but not an extensive selection.
Generally, you can find some types of Mexican treats in the Hispanic Foods section of your grocer, but not an extensive selection.
Paletas
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| Southwest Gingerbread House Decor: Mexican Paletas are Perfect |
Lollipops are a common treat, and no different in Mexico, it is easy to find a youngster enjoying a paleta. The major difference, however, is that many Mexican lollipops are coated in chile, whether it is a chile mixed with sugar, or just a little dusting of a chile powder. Fruit flavors usually underlie the chile, whether just sweet frutiness, or fruity candy with its own chile incorporated into the sugary treat. Tamarindo, watermelon, and mango are the most common, though there are also "paletas de elote", corn cob shaped lollipops, yellow and sweet, encompassed with chile. Those don't taste much like corn, but apparently, it made for a great product.
My personal favorite Mexican candies, sandia flavored pops which are shaped like a slice of watermelon, with appropriate colorings, and coated in a sugar laden chile mixture. My mouth waters as I write. If you are new to Mexican candies, this is a must try! If you are familiar, you know what I'm talking about! Another, more difficult to find in the United States, and even tough when I've been in Mexico, are chile covered fruit flavored lollipops with a semi-liquid filling inside, "Rellenitos". Rather than doing a lot of footwork, it's nice to be able to find these Mexican candies to buy online!
My personal favorite Mexican candies, sandia flavored pops which are shaped like a slice of watermelon, with appropriate colorings, and coated in a sugar laden chile mixture. My mouth waters as I write. If you are new to Mexican candies, this is a must try! If you are familiar, you know what I'm talking about! Another, more difficult to find in the United States, and even tough when I've been in Mexico, are chile covered fruit flavored lollipops with a semi-liquid filling inside, "Rellenitos". Rather than doing a lot of footwork, it's nice to be able to find these Mexican candies to buy online!
Mazapan
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| Mazapan is so good, and it crumbles nicely for creating ground on a Southwest Gingerbread House |
A powdery disc of peanuty goodness, Mazapan is a taste that many Mexican friends in the "Otro Lado" get excited about. In a dulcería these can often be purchased individually, as in many tienditas, or little shops. They can also be purchased in a box of many. I recommend the box, as you will want more than one.
Careful, they are a little messy, but so worth it!
Careful, they are a little messy, but so worth it!
Lucas
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| Add Lucas to Your Southwest Gingerbread House as a sprinkle over the roof or ground. |
Lucas is very popular amongst Mexican kids, and among many adults who are kids at heart, as well. It comes in various forms, and is spicy and sour, sort of a combination of chile and lime or lemon. The powder is good for dipping ones fingers into, and licking. As I said, it's really popular with kids! They also enjoy it sprinkled over fruit. I never much took to chile on my (fresh) watermelon or oranges, but when the fresh fruit comes out, so does the chile, lucas being one of the versions.
Lucas laced candies include Pelón and Peloncitos. Pelón is Spanish for "bald man", and the candy is a container that works much as a Playdough barber shop set, pushing the oozy treat through multiple holes, coming out and looking like spaghetti or hair. Very fun, very tasty, it's a little messy, but again, worth it.
Lucas laced candies include Pelón and Peloncitos. Pelón is Spanish for "bald man", and the candy is a container that works much as a Playdough barber shop set, pushing the oozy treat through multiple holes, coming out and looking like spaghetti or hair. Very fun, very tasty, it's a little messy, but again, worth it.
Duvalin
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| Duvalin: Flavored Icing Accents for your Southwest Gingerbread Casa |
Another hugely popular treat amongst youngsters is Duvalin. A little thicker than icing, but about the same flavor, the small tray is about 2"x2", maybe a little smaller, and is about 1/4 " thick. A small plastic spatula comes with the inexpensive goodie, for scooping the mixture out and eating. If you love to lick the bowl after making a cake or icing, this is a treat you will love. Two to three flavors in a tray, including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, a must try in your survey of Mexican treats!
Chicle
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| Mexican Gum is perfect for all sorts of gingerbread house accents in your casa de gingebre. |
Canel's Chicle is another inexpensive and tasty treat. Available in any dulcería or tiendita, and easily obtainable in line while waiting to cross the frontera (border), this is a popular item. Available to purchase online in the traditional box of small packets, similar gum is available for bulk purchase as well. Great shingles on a gingerbread house roof, or just a nice monotony breaker, these are a great piñata stuffer, as well.
