If you’ve never ventured into a Mexican Panaderia, I urge you to do so. I guarantee the discoveries you’ll make will change you forever. In fact, once you’ve tried some of the stuff you’ve discovered, you’ll wonder how you’ve gotten through life up until now without them. Pan dulces, Mexican sweet breads, come in many shapes, sizes and flavors and they have colorful names like conchas (shells), novias (girlfriends), orejas (ears) and cuernitos (little horns).
If you hit your local Panaderia at the right time, you can get the breads while they’re still warm. Get to know the baker and learn a little Spanish and you’re on your way to pastry heaven. I find myself stumbling into the Panaderia near my house on frequent Saturdays, always sure to get there just when they come out of the oven so Domingo, the baker, can load me up still hot conchas and cuernitos. Once I get home (if they make it home) I always eat my pan dulce with chocolate caliente (Mexican hot chocolate). Again, if you’ve never had Mexican hot chocolate, you haven’t lived. So, if you’re reading this, stop now and find a panaderia. You won’t be sorry.
