It's time to chow down on some fine Mexican Cuisine!

First, A little background:

Mexican food derived from the Mayan and Aztec empires, using the native ingredients that have grown there for centuries. When Spanish explorers came to Mexico, they brought their cuisine with them- so some traditional dishes in each country can be similar. Foods like chocolate, tomatoes, potatoes and corn arrived in Spain from Mexico and are staples in the dishes of both cultures.

Now, onto the dishes!

A tomato based sauce or dip that is a mix of various other ingredients like onions, chilies, beans corn and spices. It can range from mild to very spicy.

A dish made of a starchy dough that is typically corn based which is steamed in a corn husk or a banana leaf-which is disposed before consumption. They can be filled with just about anything, meats, fruits, or vegetables. A very versatile dish. 

A corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a chili pepper sauce.  Can be filled with meat, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables or a combination of any of the above.

Refers to an overall group of sauces that are used in numerous dishes throughout Mexico. A mole sauce can vary in color, and normally includes a fruit, chili pepper, nuts and any spices depending on what the overall dish calls for.

Corn tortillas are cut into quarters and are lightly fried, topped with salsa or mole and sometimes chicken. It's commonly garnished with raw onion rings, avocado slices, cream and cheese.

A traditional soup or stew made with meat-usually pork-and seasoned with shredded cabbage, chile peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa and sometimes limes. 

A dish of mashed and cooked beans. It can be made of various beans, and can be made a variety of dishes. 

Perhaps the most famous Mexican dish. A meat and vegetable dish that is placed within a hard or soft shell made of corn or wheat. 

An avocado based dip, spread or salad-seasoned sometimes with limes. It is said to have been made by the Aztecs.

Wow! Are you hungry yet? Let's put your new knowledge of Mexican food with a crossword puzzle! Just fill out the crossword below, and PM me the finished puzzle to get a prize! Do not post your finished puzzle in the thread!

That ends the tour of Mexico! I hope you had as much fun learning about Mexico as I did! Enjoy the rest of the world fair!