When the holidays arrive, New Mexico kitchens come alive with the smell of red chile, cinnamon, and corn masa. From Christmas tamales to bowls of warm posole, every dish tells a story of family, celebration, and home life.
At Loma Vista Products, we believe holiday cooking should honor tradition while keeping things simple and flavorful. Our chiles, spices, and traditional pantry staples make it easy to bring the warmth of the season into every kitchen, wherever you call home.
In this post, we’re sharing a few of our favorite New Mexican holiday recipes so you can fill your season with warmth and tradition.
Bizcochitos as Holiday Cookies of New Mexico
No New Mexican holiday table is complete without bizcochito cookies.
These crisp, sweet cookies are a holiday favorite across the state. Lightly sweet and dusted with cinnamon and anise, they’re both delicate and buttery rich. They’re the kind of cookie that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings and warm kitchens.
Bizcochitos are more than a dessert. They’re the official state cookie of New Mexico and a long-standing holiday tradition. Many families bake them in big batches to share with neighbors or bring to Christmas Eve celebrations.
For authentic flavor, use Loma Vista’s piloncillo sugar and anise in your dough or as part of the sugar coating. Together, they create that unmistakable aroma and flavor that makes New Mexico biscochitos special every holiday season.
While cookies fill the air with sweetness, it’s the savory dishes that truly bring families together. And in New Mexico, nothing says Christmas quite like tamales.
Wrapped Tamales for Celebrating Christmas
Tamales are a symbol of celebration and community. Xmas tamale-making is meant to be a group effort, made together and shared with family.
They’re wrapped in corn husks and filled with chile, cheese, corn masa, and seasoned meats. They’re the centerpiece of many New Mexican Christmas gatherings.
The tradition of tamales for Xmas runs deep. Families often gather for a tamalada—a day spent spreading masa, folding husks, and steaming dozens of tamales to share. It’s slow work, but it’s full of laughter, stories, and connection.
For true Southwestern flavor, start with Loma Vista’s corn husks for tamales and hot red chile pods. The tamale leaves give that soft texture and shape, while the red chile adds depth and spice to your fillings.
Once the tamales are wrapped and steaming, there’s usually one more pot simmering on the stove. Next, let’s take a look at something warm, hearty, and full of green chile comfort.
Spicy New Mexico Green Chile Stew for Cold Nights
Green chile stew is one of New Mexico’s most iconic winter dishes. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights when you need something to warm you from the inside out.
Each family has their own version, but the essentials are the same. It’s made with diced potatoes, tender meat, roasted green chile, and plenty of spice.
Some prefer green chile pork stew, while others go for chicken green chile stew. Plenty of people keep it meatless with a mix of vegetables instead.
Season your stew with Loma Vista’s ground cumin and dried oregano for balance and depth. The result is a bowl of New Mexican comfort food that’s smoky, spicy, and just a bit nostalgic.
As the year winds down, another New Mexican favorite makes its way to the table. Posole is a tradition that welcomes the new year with warmth and good fortune.
Hot Posole With Red Chile for New Year’s Luck
Posole, a hearty hominy stew, is a staple of New Year’s celebrations across New Mexico. It’s said to bring luck for the year ahead and comfort during the coldest days of winter.
The dish starts with soaked dried posole, simmered slowly until tender, then combined with pork, onion, and garlic. Add Loma Vista’s hot or mild red chile pods to give it that deep red color and smoky flavor.
Many families serve posole with red chile alongside tamales or fresh tortillas on New Year’s Day, creating a meal that’s both symbolic and delicious. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of the earthy, rich flavor that defines New Mexican cooking.
After a long day of cooking and celebration, every New Mexican table deserves something warm and comforting to close the evening.
Sweet, Warm Atole for the Holiday Season
Atole is one of the most comforting drinks you can make during the holidays. This traditional masa-based beverage is thick, smooth, and lightly sweetened with cinnamon, vanilla, or piloncillo. It’s the perfect way to end a chilly winter night.
It’s often made with blue corn atole, giving it a naturally rich color and nutty flavor. The atole drink is gently heated and whisked until creamy, creating a texture somewhere between hot chocolate and porridge.
Make yours with Loma Vista’s blue corn atole and a touch of piloncillo for sweetness. Add a cinnamon stick while it simmers to fill the kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and uniquely New Mexican.
From sweet drinks to savory stews, every dish tells a piece of our story. Together, they make the holidays feel like home.
Stock Your Holiday Pantry for Christmas Tamales and More
At Loma Vista Products, we know that holiday traditions are built in the kitchen. Whether you’re stirring a pot of posole or baking a batch of bizcochitos, every dish connects you to generations of New Mexican flavor.
Our ingredients are made for these moments. They’re real, high-quality staples that keep your holiday cooking authentic and stress-free. You’ll find everything you need to carry on a tradition, or even start a new one.
Stock your holiday pantry with Loma Vista and bring the taste of New Mexico home this season today!