If I were in Mexico, I would celebrate Independence Day with my family by having dinner together at night, enjoying a variety of delicious Mexican foods such as “pozole blanco,” “esquites,” “tacos dorados,” “tacos de frijol,” “tacos de papa con chorizo,” “tinga de res,” “enchiladas,” and “enmoladas.” We would also have my mom’s famous cactus salad and, of course, candied fruit for dessert, such as figs, oranges, papayas, and pineapples. To top it all off, I would enjoy a warm, aromatic coffee brewed in a clay pot while chatting with my family about everything and nothing.
September 15th is special not only for the food but also because it is a day when political differences are set aside, allowing families to come together and celebrate the land in which “it is our lot to live here,” as Cristina Pacheco would say. However, after more than 24 years abroad, I’ve come to celebrate it more symbolically. Typically, we try to cook something like quesadillas (there are many kinds) or guacamole, accompanied by a warm cup of atole. I remember one year we even bought tamales, but they didn’t taste as good as I had hoped. And no, we aren’t going to attempt to make them—we just aren’t that talented in the kitchen. As my friend Stijn might say, we cook “to survive.” 😊
This year, however, my mind is preoccupied with so many things that I almost forgot today is September 15th! It was only when I called my mom in the afternoon that I remembered the significance of the day. With no ingredients or time to create something that resembles a Mexican celebration, an idea struck me: why not blend the memories of this unique occasion with my love for pumpkin pies? After all, pumpkin season is everywhere here in Colorado, and today the temperature finally feels more like autumn than summer. I go crazy for anything pumpkin-flavored this time of year!
Thus, as I enjoy one of my favorite pies, I think about my country, its people, and the richness of its culture. In particular, I reflect on my family and friends there, imagining how they will celebrate and what topics will come up in conversation. Who knows? Perhaps in the near future, we can all come together to celebrate over hot coffee brewed with cinnamon and cane sugar in a clay pot.
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