I recently saw a bit on a late night talk show that prompted viewers to come up with the everyday activity they’d win a gold medal in if it were an Olympic sport. For me, that prize-winning skill is making pancakes. As a mom of three, I make a lot of pancakes. Chocolate chip, Mickey Mouse, silver dollar, monster truck, fire truck, blueberry, banana; you name it and I’ve poured, flipped, and plated it. 

All that practice has led to my being able to whip up a batch of pancakes without a recipe, just good vibes. A little flour, egg, dairy, some leavener, a pinch of cinnamon and usually some sort of fruit or vegetable I’m trying to hide from my kids. Through all of this tinkering I feel qualified to tell you the one ingredient that makes the best pancakes every single time is ricotta cheese. Why? This one ingredient guarantees my pancakes–no matter what their shape–are the lightest and fluffiest possible. 

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The Mexican dishes we know and love—tacos, tamales, burritos, and quesadillas—barely scratch the surface of what this incredible cuisine has to offer. Many dishes skip the usual tortilla-beans-rice trio altogether: Think vibrant soups, messy sandwiches, and a cheesy grilled corn salad. Others are specific to their region, like a shrimp classic from the coastal state of Sinaloa or tortilla pizzas from Oaxaca. All are worth adding to your Mexican meal rotation, especially with these easy, authentic recipes.

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