The name mixiote is derived from the Aztec N�huatl language: metl, meaning maguey, and xiotl, skin of the arm, and applies both to the �envelope� and the dish itself. It is simple and very pre-Hispanic, consisting of meat slathered in a spicy sauce and wrapped in the afore-mentioned xiotl before being cooked. It has become illegal to harvest the maguey skin and paper is now used instead, but it is still a delicious way to bake or steam food, as the flavour is locked into the package.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art10595.asp 
