Guacamole is typically prepared in a molcajete, a mortar made from volcanic rock. See our step-by-step guacamole gallery.

Tamales, made with masa (stone-ground corn) dough and wrapped in corn husks, are a Mexican staple. For tips on making them, see our guide the Art of the Tamale.

You can find more authentic Mexican recipes in our photo gallery of Mexican Home Cooking.

While Pabassinas (the raisin and nut cookies included above) are a common day of the dead treat, so are cookies cut into skulls and decorated with icing. We recommend using this classic sugar cookie recipe.