Grandma Celfa (my mom's mom), used to make ponche at least once a month for special occasions, parties, and welcoming friends to her home. The images I have of this tradition still stick with me today. Every time, she would put a piloncillo stone on top of the pot where she made the ponche. This stone would slowly melt, lending sweetness and flavor to her drink.
This has always reminded me that gastronomic culture is often rooted in family tradition that makes it unique, and your own.
As someone who leans toward experimentation,
I’m always looking for new ways to experience and engage with these traditions. In my activity as an artist, as well as with my alter-ego ̈La Princesa de Etzatlán, ̈ I have tried to experiment — sometimes obsessively — to satisfy my curiosity and discover new ways of creating. Since 2011, I have experimented constantly, researched a lot, and learned how to make ponche and liqueurs. My personal vision is expressed in PAJAROTE. Thanks to all the people who have walked with me on this journey. Thanks to all of those who have shared PAJAROTE in good company: with friends of their soul, with their partners, or just sitting with a good book.
- Mónica Leyva
OMA ARTISIANAL DELIGHTS