Thank you for joining me for another edition of our newsletter! Whether you're a long-time subscriber or just joining us, I'm excited to share with you some delicious recipes and interesting facts about a popular Mexican treat: pan dulce.

I hope that this newsletter will bring you some comfort and joy, and remind you of the simple pleasures in life. Whether you enjoy pan dulce with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, it's hard to resist the sweet aroma and soft texture of these delightful treats.

In this month's newsletter, we'll explore the history and cultural significance of pan dulce, as well as share some of our favorite recipes and tips for making your own at home. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let's dive in!

Heritage food of the month: Pan Dulce

Pan dulce, which means "sweet bread" in Spanish, has been a beloved staple in Latin American cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the colonial era when Spanish bakers introduced wheat flour, sugar, and other European ingredients to the native population.

Spanish colonialists needed wheat flour for religious purposes (the Eucharist), but encountered Indigenous resistance to wheat, who did not enjoy the taste of it and saw that it was less agriculturally suited for the land than corn.

But wheat persisted, and pan dulce began to really take shape during French occupation of Mexico in the 19th century. At this point, Mexican bakers started to combine French technique with Spanish and Mexican flavors and ingredients. Thus the tradition of pan dulce was created, with somewhere between 500 and 2,000 varieties of pan dulce known today.

Some of the most common shapes you’ll see are the concha–a round sweet bread with a colorful sugar topping cut to look like a shell–and the marranito–a molasses ginger cookie shaped like a pig.

For many Latinos pan dulce is a tradition and part of our culture that we enjoy. We might eat pan dulce with a cup of coffee, as a snack, or dessert. Pan dulce is a common theme for 1st gen artists, as it’s an easy cultural identifier and conjures happy memories.

Pan Dulce and Nutrition:

Is pan dulce unhealthy?

Many people express fear about eating pan dulce, they feel it’s too unhealthy, too high in sugar and fat.

Pan dulce is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a sweet bread that’s meant to be eaten as a treat or a dessert. That doesn’t make it a food you have to 100% avoid, and like all foods, it does have its place in your diet.

Vitamins and minerals:

If pan dulce is made with fortified flour (most flour sold in the United States is fortified), it can be a significant source of folate, iron, and vitamin B3.

Pan dulce and blood sugar:

If for any reason you are watching your blood sugar, it may still be possible to enjoy pan dulce from time to time. Some tips to make it a little easier:

• Pair pan dulce with a high protein meal: Instead of having pan dulce and coffee for breakfast, for example, try having a veggie egg scramble with a slice of pan dulce on the side.
• Drink plenty of water with pan dulce
• Sit down and enjoy your pan dulce without distractions. If you rush or eat it without paying attention, you may feel less satisfied and keep going back for more.

Featured Recipes

​Mexican Buñuelos​

Buñuelos are one of the simpler forms of pan dulce, mostly consisting of flat fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. What’s not to love?

​Conchas​

I personally tested this concha recipe last weekend to wonderful results. This makes a great weekend baking project!

​Polvorones (Sugar cookies)​

Polvorones are a panaderia staple and come with fun decorations like sprinkles or smiley faces!

New Blog Post: Mexican Food is Healthy

My new blog post debunks the myth that Mexican cuisine is unhealthy and explains how it can actually be incredibly nutritious.

You'll learn all about the key components of a healthy diet, regional differences in Mexican cuisine, and the numerous health benefits of incorporating traditional Mexican foods into your meals.

From better cholesterol levels to lower inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity to reduced risk of breast cancer, you won't want to miss out on the amazing benefits of this flavorful cuisine.

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