Join us for a tour of the sweet bread of Mexico, Latin and South America as we take a new pastry each week to discuss and share history, our favorites, and other fun facts! Call store for availability.
The Paloma is another zoomorphic (in the shape of an animal) pan dulce. You can understand why this pan dulce is common to many regions of Mexico by learning the meaning of Paloma – dove or pigeon. It would be impossible to travel to any plaza and not see multitudes hanging out at the fountains or on top of the buildings. It is known in most areas for its puff pastry exterior but contains different creams or savory fillings depending on the bakery.
At first glance you may not be able identify the shape as a bird. Think about where you see these birds, and you can envision the triangular form flying up above over the square.
Perhaps though, the more famous paloma in Mexico is the “explosiva paloma”. You guessed it – exploding pigeon. A popular but dangerous firecracker of gunpowder wrapped in newspaper with a wick, taking the same shape as the pan dulce. According to Adalberto, one of our owners, “Those things are like mini TNT. They could be teeny tiny or as big as a plate. That’s why my uncle only had 2 fingers.” YIKES.
Fortunately we ‘just’ have a yummy cream cheese filling inside ours. No surprises here! ?
Buen provecho!