Top 3 well-known Hispanic food, from a Hispanic foodie

The best-known characteristics of Hispanics are their close ties to their families, traditions, values, and, most significantly, their cuisine. For me, eating food that was made at home was the best cure for a bad day or illness. Food always makes things better in Hispanic culture, so we did not need to be wealthy to enjoy a wonderful lunch. I still make these meals on occasion to remember my upbringing and to express my love for the Hispanic culture.

Warning: These meals are not the healthiest, but they sure are the most delicious!

1. Menudo: Menudo is traditionally served on Sundays, after wedding or Quinceanera parties, and during holidays such as Christmas and New Years. Menudo is also known to be an excellent hangover remedy after one-to-many drinks. Menudo is distinguished by its rustic and zesty flavor, which is derived from honeycomb tripe (cow stomach) and spices such as oregano, garlic, onions, hominy, and peppers. Finally, it is topped with cilantro, more onion, lemon juice, and, if desired, spicy chili oil sauce and fresh tortillas. Menudo is a totally unique and special dish that may not be to everyone's taste. Personally, this dish brings family together and it is a great powerful dish that cures hangovers and heals the heart.

2. Chiles rellenos: Chiles rellenos are poblano peppers stuffed with meat or cheese and coated with a light layer of flour and dipped in a fluffy egg batter. Then, the peppers are fried in oil until gold or brown and served with a side of red Spanish rice and refried beans. Chile rellenos are a more casual dish that can be made for lunch or dinner, and they are not spicy at all. I can still remember the smell of roasted poblano peppers throughout the house and sneaking into the kitchen just to get a taste of what my mom was cooking . Also, the first bite of the pepper is always the best because it is a combination of a so many flavors and the gooey cheese.

3. Mole: Mole is chicken bathed in a dark, thick sauce. What makes this dish so special is the way that it is prepared. The base ingredient is chicken broth and then other ingredients such as Chiles, nuts and chocolate. Chicken and chocolate might not sound very appetizing, but it is not as bad as it sounds. The special thing about mole is that it's flavor can be complex, because it can be sweet, tangy, spicy and a little bitter, but it all depends on what other ingredients are used. Traditionally mole is served as lunch or dinner, and it is also known to be served in wedding and Quinceanera parties. Mole is definitely my most favorite because of its thick consistency, yet so savory and its odd combination of ingredient just make it so interesting.