By Maureen Dietrich

When a craving for a snack (or botana) hits you while walking the streets of Mazatlán or relaxing on the beach, there is no shortage of delights to chose from. Of course, there are always the universal munchies of potato chips and peanuts to be found, but for the more adventuresome Mazatlán´s street botanas offer a gourmet selection of the sweet and savory. The next time you feel a little pang of hunger, try any of the following Mazatlán treats: The Savory Chicharones: crunchy fried pork rinds Cueritos: raw cow stomach in pieces, flavored with chili, salt and lime Tronchitos: fried wheel-shaped flour based snacks, served with chili, lime and a liberal squirt of sweet/sour chamoy liquid Elotes: corncob on a stick covered with lime, cheese (or cream) and powdered chili, or kernels in a cup with the same condiments Ceviche de Sierra: lime-marinated raw fish pieces with cilantro and grated carrot served on a large flour based wafer called a duro Cacahuates Japoneses: roasted peanuts partially or completely covered with starch, powdered