El Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a festive ritual that is celebrated in Mexico as well as parts of the US on October 31, November 1st and 2nd. The ritual dates back as far as 3000 years ago and allows time for one to honor and celebrate the deceased.

I live in Southern California, or as a Latin American studies professor once called it 'Mexico Occupado'. When one lives a few miles from a blurred border between Mexico and the US, it is easy to absorb and enjoy Mexico's rituals.

Yesterday morning, I set out with the kids to Pancho Villa grocery. It was a perfect place to begin our shopping for a Dia De Los Muertos dinner inspired by our deceased loved ones favorite dishes.

We purchased Pan de Muerto or Bread of the Dead, guajillo chiles to make Mojo de Ajo sauce, three bunches of marigolds, and sugar skulls for the kids to decorate. While we did our shopping, our cooking and our decorating we agreed we were mindful of our ancestors. Although we miss our departed loved ones, their inspiration will never escape us.

Mojo de Ajo (My Mom's Favorite)

3/4 Cup Olive Oil
3 Guajillo Chiles
3/4 Cup Minced garlic
5 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Salt

• Heat the Oil in a pan. Submerge each chile for 5 seconds. Allow to cool on a paper towel and pull the stems out. Blend chiles in a processor until flaked.
• Add garlic to the heated oil and cook until lightly browned. Add the chiles, lime and salt. Allow sauce to cool.

I tossed angel hair pasta in the Mojo de Ajo sauce and served it with Parmesan flakes and minced green onions. It was delicious! This sauce also compliments most fish dishes.

In case you are wondering...dried guajillo chiles look like this: