Yucatan’s Marquesitas: A Sweet Tale of Tradition and Flavor
Yucatan’s Marquesitas: A Sweet Tale of Tradition and Flavor
Marquesitas is a sweet delicacy you can’t miss, originally from Yucatan.
In my opinion, they’re one of the most delicious and popular snacks because their exquisite flavor delights everyone.
In fact, if you visit this wonderful state or any of its Magical Towns, you will see a cart selling them on every corner.
Marquesitas is nothing more than a crispy wafer filled with Queso Bola (Edam Cheese).
These traditional “cheese” marquesitas are delicious; however, you can add other ingredients too!
History of Marquesitas
As the story goes, it all started back in 1930. There was a famous ice cream parlor called “Helados Polito” in Merida, Yucatan.
The owner Leopoldo Mena had a special touch in making ice cream, which is why they were so successful.
But he noticed that in the winter season, sales dropped considerably.
Because of this, he began to experiment and create a new hot food for the cold; at that time, he made wafers filled with casseroles.
However, they were not very successful, as the wafer and the stew were not a good match.
But he didn’t give up and kept looking for ingredients until he came across queso bola in 1945.
Indeed, the flavor of the wafer with the cheese was so exquisite that it did not take long for it to become famous.
In fact, two little girls, daughters of a Marquis, started visiting this place very often.
And it was because of them that the owner gave the name of Marquesas to this delicious Yucatan dessert that has left its legacy over time.
But Don Polo’s son, along with his wife, changed the name to Marquesitas, and they were the ones who started spreading it around Mérida.
If you ever visit Merida and want to try the original ones, you can find them near Plaza Santiago, at Calle 55 # 506, Colonia Paseo de las Fuentes.
Marquesitas flavors
Without a doubt, I love Marquesitas, and as I mentioned before, you can add more ingredients to this delicious Yucatan dessert.
You will find sweet and savory ones. They are all delicious, but I’m sure you will have your favorite.
In the salty ones, you will find Serrano ham, cochinita pibil, manchego cheese, and Hawaiian style (ham and pineapple).
On the sweet side, you will have more options such as:
- Plantain
- Nutella
- Strawberry
- Dulce de leche
- Cajeta
- Guava
- Mango
- Passion fruit
Marquesitas Recipe
The recipe for this dessert is not as complicated as you may think. You only need the following:
- 1 kg of wheat flour
- 650 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 liter of water
- Butter
- ½ Edam ball cheese
- Ingredients for the filling (jam, cajeta, Nutella, walnuts, almonds)
Process:
- Beat by hand all the ingredients except the cheese and butter
- Pour half a cup of this mixture on a grill to make a thin and crunchy layer
- Once the layer is made, fill it with two ingredients, mainly shredded queso de bola, and then some other ingredient of your choice
- Roll up and top with a handful of cheese
Enjoy!
What cheese is Marquesitas made with?
Finally, the original Yucatan Marquesitas are filled only with cheese, known as queso bola or Edam Cheese.
The preferred cheese brand the creator used was Gallo Azul (blue rooster), so most places that sell Marquesitas prepare them with this cheese.
Now that you know all about Marquesitas, don’t hesitate to try them because it is delicious.
The only problem is that you may become addicted…
Don’t forget to share your comments, tips, and experiences with us. Enjoy!
