La Posadas (English)

In Mexico, Christmas begins with the Posadas, nine days of candlelight and festivities that begins on December 16 and ends on December 24 or Christmas Eve. Each of the nine nights before Christmas Eve, Mexicans depict the story of Maria and Jose seeking shelter in an inn. A little girl and a little boy dress up as Mary and Joseph and there is an angel who guides them. There are also other children dressed in costume as angels and the three wise men and shepherds who accompany

Mary and Joseph. The children knock on the door and sing "We are Mary and Joseph, looking for an inn." At the beginning of the procession, these houses do not let them in. Eventually, these walkers arrive at a different house and finally let Mary and Joseph in. In this last house of the procession, people tell the couple that there is no shelter but that they can stay in the stable. Then everyone enters the house and celebrates with a party.

As soon as they are inside, everyone sings and eats a lot of food, especially cookies and a drink that is punch. A favorite cookie of Las Posadas is Buñuelos. They are made of flour, sugar and salt and are fried and covered with honey. Another popular cookie during this holiday is Tea Wreaths. They are circular in shape decorated with sweet cherries and nuts. While eating and drinking, children break a piñata for fun.

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TeaCrown Cup:

· 1 orange

· 3/4 cup butter

· 2 eggs

· 1/2 teaspoon salt

· 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

· Candied red and green cherries

· 2 1/2c flour

· 2/3 cup sugar

· 1 teaspoon baking powder

· 1 egg white

Grate the orange and save 1 teaspoon of peel and 2 teaspoons of juice. In a large bowl, measure flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, salt, juice, and peel. Beat on low speed until well mixed. Form a ball with the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap, cool for 2 to 3 hours. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1/3 of the 1.4" thick dough (keep the rest refrigerated). Using a floured 2 375/1" doughnut cutter, cut them into circles. Preheat oven to 10. Place cookies 12 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Paint the tops with egg whites and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Cut the candied cherries into petal shapes and press them into the dough. Bake <>-<> minutes.