Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/502

496 But, to judge from the amount of dyspepsia prevailing there, it would seem that even Mexican digestion succumbs to it.

No bread is made in the family, while griddle-cakes, waffles, and muffins are unknown. Pies, tarts, cakes, or pastries have no extensive place in the menu; but their desserts of various kinds, made of eggs, milk, and fruits, are excellent. If, however, they are deficient in homely bread preparations, nature has given them a double compensation in the various delicious fruit beverages, compounded not only in the homes of the wealthy, but also of the humble folk. Among these I may mention two or three:

Agua de piña (pineapple water), a simple beverage, and one that may be prepared in our American homes.

Beat, roll, or grind the pineapple very fine; then run through a sieve; add sugar to taste and water to make it sufficiently thin to drink. Allow it to stand for a little while; then add ice, and it is good enough for a king.

Agua de chia is made from a very fine seed that I have never seen in the States, but it is a delightfully refreshing drink.

Horchata—known to us as orgeat—is made from muskmelon seed, beaten and strained, with sugar, some lemon juice, and a little cinnamon. Add ice, and you have a beverage to please the most fastidious.

In a Mexican home the day begins with the simple desayuna. This consists of a cup of chocolate, coffee, or tea, with bread, and is usually taken in the bedroom, frequently in bed. There is no fixed hour for this repast, which is partaken of according to inclination, no two members of the family being expected to take their desayuna at the same time. To all who enjoy the last drowsy morning nap there is an inexpressible charm in this mode of life.

The cares of the world are at long range, and one respectfully desires them to approach no nearer. No clanging of breakfast bells breaks rudely upon this delicious and intoxicating slumber; no scowling or looks askance from hostess or landlady, for in all probability she, too, is snugly esnconced in the arms of Morpheus.