String's the Thing

Oaxaca is famous for its glorious string cheese which is firm and milky, a little like Bocconcini. Find it in the market and purchase by the plaited pound. Or, for those in New York, the Whole Food Deli on the Upper West Side has it.

Squash Blossom Heaven

Oaxaca's vegetable markets are literally blooming with beautiful orange squash blossom. But unlike the Italians who tend to crumb, stuff and fry the flowers, the Mexicans prefer them a little fresher. I had them in a frittata crowned with freshly diced tomatoes, wrapped into a tortilla with Oaxacan string cheese and chopped into a soup.