BIRRIA

Serves 6 to 8. You can substitute lamb.

1 baby goat, about 15 pounds dressed weight, cut into large pieces

2 lbs (1,800 grams) of corn masa

16 pepper corns

8 oz. (225 grs.) of chile mora

6 cloves of garlic

5 cloves of allspice

Salt

1 stick of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of cumin

Vinegar as necessary

1 pan, large (any large roasting pan works well)

The following are as needed to use as the sauce. While the meat is cooking
prepare the sauce and garnishing, consisting of

Tomatoes

Chiles

Onions, minced

Oregano to taste

Salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. The meat needs to be cooked slowly.

Cut the meat in large pieces, stab with a knife and then put it in a pan
(charola). Put it in the oven. Toast the chiles lightly, then submerge them into
hot water for a few minutes to loosen the skins, peel. In a mortar or a
molcajete* mash the garlic and all the spices, add vinegar to form a sauce that
is neither too watery nor too dry, add salt and cover. Allow it to rest for 24

My grandma used to say "El que comè y canta, loco se levanta" Marge:)
On Mar 15, 2006, at 3:19 PM, Alicia Carrillo wrote:

> A few weeks ago when the Northern California Nueva Galicia group met
> in Sacramento, I presented a challenge to the group when I introduced
> a few books. One of those books was folk wisdoms of Mexico or in
> Español, Proverbios y dichos Mexicanos. I challenged all members to go
> out and find a book or books on folk wisdoms, customs or traditions of
> Mexico. Here in California it is probably easier to do than in other
> states. You can find them in art museums, gift shops, book stores and
> even at Target and Walmart.
>  
> I will share some of those dichos with you from this book by Jeff M
> Sellers with a foreward by Gary Soto. This is a small pocket size 78
> page book.
>  
> 1) Para tonto no se estudia.
> One needn't study to become a fool
>  
> 2) El que nunca va a tu casa en la suya no te quiere.
> He who never goes to your house does not want