What is Maté?
Maté is a traditional South American drink particularly found in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Syria and Lebanon. Just like other brewed herbs, yerba maté leaves are dried, chopped and ground into a mixture known as yerba. It is then combined with hot water and served in a calabash gourd “maté” using a traditional silver straw “bombilla.”The bombilla has small holes or slots on one end that allow the brewed liquid in but block the chunky matter out.
|
Sharing the Maté Gourd
Tomando maté (drinking mate) is a symbol of hospitality. As the maté gourd is passed around, a sense of connection emerges. The first step of the ceremony is the preparation of the gourd. Typically, the cebador/a - maté server - prepares maté for a friend or a group of friends. The cebador/a drinks the first one or two gourd-fulls, testing the waters to ensure that only a smooth running maté is shared. Then the gourd is refilled with water and passed counter-clockwise with the bombilla (straw-filter) facing the recipient. Each person drinks the entire gourd: "you share the vessel, not the liquid." The recipient of the gourd has as much time as needed to finish the gourd-full. After the last few sips of the maté are gone, the gourd is returned with the bombilla facing the cebador/a. The gourd is refilled with hot water and follows around the circle, continuing in this fashion until the maté is lavado (flat). If someone has had enough maté, they simply say gracias (thank you) to indicate that they are finished.
|
What are Empanadas?
Empanadas are stuffed pastries that are baked or fried in many Latin American countries. They are also prevalent in Southern Europe and parts of Southeast Asia. The name empanada comes from the verb "empanar" which means to wrap of coat in bread. Empanadas are made by folding dough or bread around the stuffing. There are many different types of stuffing which include meats, cheese, vegetables and fruits.