Behind The Book: Aguas Frescas & Paletas
Ericka Sanchez shares what inspired her to write Aguas Frescas & Paletas. Read along to learn about the making of the book and how she decided on which recipes to include.
Reminiscing About an Important Time Growing Up
Aguas Frescas & Paletas came about by my love of the time spent with my grandmother at her convenience store in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. I was her young helper. I learned how to weigh, measure, and pack sugar, rice, and flour in butcher-paper cones and sell pan dulce and Mexican candy to customers. Torreon is hot and dry during the summer months; aguas frescas and paletas are popular treats sold at every mom-and-pop store and ice cream shop. Before the store opened every morning, I was in charge of blending and mixing a variety of fruit flavors to turn into a refreshing frozen treat or sell as a fruit cooler over ice. I took my job seriously and truly enjoyed preparing those popular sweets with my grandmother.
Keeping a Legacy Alive with Recipes
After my grandmother passed away, I wanted to catalog those recipes I grew up with. With the birth of my son and nieces, my motivation was propelled and the desire to publish those recipes grew. With the popularity of my blog, Nibbles and Feasts, Aguas Frescas & Paletas came into fruition after ten years. Not only does the book include those beloved recipes I cherish, but also some I have created. These new recipes were inspired by my travels and my time living in California.
Transporting You with Sweet Treats
From tropical flavors such as coconut and pineapple to seasonal fruits, nuts, and fresh herbs, (like avocado, pecans, and basil), Aguas Frescas & Paletas will transport you to the warm streets of Mexico. Popsicle salesmen (paleteros) and aguas frescas stands abound in popular streets and residential areas of Mexico. Whether it’s locals or tourists, everyone enjoys a refreshing sip or a sweet, refreshing fruity treat. Now I have brought those special treats to your own kitchen to create a special moment with your family.
A Fulfilling Project
With forty recipes and photos captured by me, this colorful collection of easy frozen pops and coolers makes a great gift for just about everyone. The book also includes information on some of the most popular ingredients used in Mexico to prepare these recipes. Those ingredients are easy to obtain and can be found at your local supermarket.
Some of my favorite recipes include rice pudding pops (paletas de arroz con leche), avocado and coconut pops (paletas de coco y aguacate), burnt milk pops with pecans (leche quemada pops con nuez), horchata (agua de horchata), cantaloupe cooler (agua de melon), and hibiscus and spiced orange cooler (agua de jamaica y naranja con especias). Please visit me on social media or at my blog (nibblesandfeasts.com) and tell me which ones are your favorite! I hope you enjoy creating these deliciously sweet treats as much as I did testing and photographing each and every one.