Category Archives: MEXICAN FOOD RECIPES

RED CHILI SAUCE FOR TAMALES, ENCHILADAS, BURRITOES, ETC.  

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Do not be tempted to halve this recipe. Trust me on this. This red chili sauce from the tastesbetterfromscratch.com site is better than anything you can get in a Mexican restaurant. And it’s easy to prepare. I’m serious! Between this sauce and my red sauce for cheese enchiladas (find the recipe under Cheese Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce) you are in for two very easy ways to prepare gourmet Mexican food at home. But do not be deceived. Wonderful Mexican food takes time to prepare.

It’s not like flinging a beautifully marbled steak on your grill. (No offence to beautifully marbled steaks everywhere.) Because there is serious time involved in getting a restaurant quality Mexican meal on the table. Is it worth the effort? You bet your sweet bippy! Anytime you make any kind of dish from scratch using mostly fresh or what I call “scratch cooking staples” like flour, you are eliminating a great many chemicals used in keeping prepackaged, processed foods fresh. Now, to be clear, I am not advocating that you begin making your own Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or the like. I’m just saying that the more you eliminate processed foods from your diet, the better-off you are nutritionally.

And of course, I’m not telling you I make everything from scratch. I use meat and veggie bases (like Better Than Bouillon) regularly. And big surprise! I don’t make homemade mayonnaise or ketchup. And there is always a can of cream of mushroom soup and a box of “Jiffy” corn muffin mix in my pantry for those times when even making a simple sauce or building cornbread from scratch requires more strength than I have at the time. We all have those moments. We are after all – human.

But I will always push for as many ways to stay away from packaged or processed foods as possible. And this recipe for red chili sauce is a perfect example.

Well, that’s it for now. But before I leave you to run for your kitchen to make this sauce, I need to tell you about the book I just finished. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Wow! As I stated in one of my previous posts, Verghese had me after only 4 pages. But I was unprepared for this story of love, death, leprosy, and the historic reality that took place over three-quarters of a century (1900 to 1977) on India’s Malabar Coast. Because I absolutely fell in love with some of the characters, and was therefore devastated by how hard their lives were. And when each of these beloved characters died, it felt like I had lost a dear friend. That, my friends, is what happens when a book is written by a truly great author. And to my mind, Verghese fits that category perfectly.  

And even if parts of this book were very hard for me to read, I recommend you read it. I learned more about India and how true compassion can manifest itself from this book, than any other book I have ever read. And don’t we all need a lesson on compassion as we read about what is currently happening to our country.

If what I read and learn daily about how our democracy is being deliberately destroyed was simply a work of fiction, I would think this could never happen. But it is happening. All I can hope and pray, is that regardless of political preference, our elected representatives in congress get their collective act together to save our country from just a few rich men who want democracy destroyed. Think I’m exaggerating, do your homework. And I don’t mean simply listening to Fox News!

I mean reading what experts are predicting. Scientists, doctors, experienced politicians, historians, etc. Our constitution is under attack. And if you think it won’t affect you personally, you are sorely mistaken. For example: Your foreign built clothes washer dies. It requires a new part. Good luck. The United States is not importing from this country any longer or if they are still supplying parts, there is a huge tariff associated with the part you need. Who do you think will be charged with the difference? That $100 part that is needed to make your washer work again is now in the $750 range. You want a new Subaru this summer? Would you like to make a bet that you will be able to drive that car off the lot for about the same price as last summer? Think again.

So, what can we all do? We can write, text, email, etc. our elected officials demanding that first and foremost they protect and preserve democracy. They all, republican or democrat took the same oath of office. And in case you don’t remember what they swore to uphold, let me refresh your memory.

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

This means, not just some of the time or when it might not serve them well personally. It means EVERY DECISION THEY MAKE SHOULD HAVE THE BEST INTERESTES OF OUR NATION AND THEIR CONSTIUENTS IN MIND BEFORE ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE!  They are not allowed to just turn their heads and ignore what is happening to our country. We as citizens have every right to demand that our elected officials do the job they were hired to do. And respect the oath they made freely before taking or continuing the office for which they were elected. And that they work for the good of all citizens, regardless of color, religious preference, etc. and definitely NOT FOR SOME DESPOT WANT-A-BE OR HIS RICH BUDDIES!  

Peace and love to all.              

8 dried California chili pods (you can find them in any grocery store) 

4 c. pork, beef, or chicken stock

2 T. veggie oil

2 T. unbleached all-purpose flour

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. granulated onion

½ tsp. salt

freshly ground black pepper

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Using disposable gloves, remove the stem and seeds from the dried chiles while rinsing them under cold water. 

Place chiles in a saucepan with broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

Drain the broth into a container. Discard the chili skins.

In the same saucepan you used to cook the chiles, heat the veggie oil. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Then whisk in the oregano, cumin, chili powder, granulated onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic. Gradually whisk in the chili liquid. 

Cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Use for tamales, enchiladas, burritos, or any Mexican dish that would profit from a bit of red sauce.

Please note: Even if this sauce is made with chilies, it is not spicy hot. It offers mild to medium heat. And the flavor is marvelous!

LEFTOVER ROAST BEEF BURRITOS

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And no, I will never be able to wrap a burrito correctly. And yes, I have tried. It would take greater skill than I happen to possess!

So, after eating pot roast fresh from the oven the first night, and the second night eating leftover pot roast and assorted veggies and still having quite a bit of meat left, I knew we needed a change. But what to do with cooked lean meat that was rather dry at this point. Well, why not turn it into some kind of Mexican dish? Great! Why not indeed?

The first thing I thought of was tacos. Add some taco seasoning and Bob’s your uncle. But I like my tacos in crispy corn shells. And I have yet to figure out how to make crispy corn tortillas. But I do know how to make flour tortillas. There you go. So, then the next decision. Enchiladas or burritos. After researching the difference between an enchilada and a burrito, I learned that an enchilada is typically made with a small corn tortilla and is covered in a sauce. While a burrito is made with a larger flour tortilla and is usually wrapped without a heavy sauce covering. So, both tacos and enchiladas were out. That left burritos. OK by me, I love burritos. But now, how to make a burrito filling?

So, I went online to find the perfect recipe. And luckily, I found this recipe on the allrecipes.com site. However, I did make a few minor changes. But not enough to make a never mind. (I love that expression.) Anyway, the burritos turned out great. And they were fast and easy to make. (Well, they were fast and easy to put together after I made the flour tortillas and guacamole. Which as you might suspect, making homemade tortillas takes a fair amount of time. Guacamole, not so much. But it all adds up.)

And yes, I do realize, not everyone is as crazy as I am about making their own bread products. But I will always remind you that homemade bread and in this case, tortillas are tastier, cheaper, and contain only unbleached all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, veggie oil, and water. Whereas, for example, Mission Large Flour Burrito Tortillas – 16 count ($6.99 at Fred Meyer) are made from Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine, Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Vegetable Shortening (Interesterified Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil and/or Palm Oil), Contains 2% or Less of: Salt, Sugar, Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Distilled Monoglycerides, Fumaric Acid, and Calcium Propionate and Sorbic Acid (To Maintain Freshness).

OK, I’ve climbed down off my soapbox. So, back to this recipe.

If you ever find yourself with leftover cooked meat (beef, pork, chicken, ostrich, etc.), consider disguising it in the form of a filling for burritos. Not only will your family heave a sigh of relief for not having to eat the same meal yet another time, but you can also take pride in serving a relatively healthy lean meat reinvention.

Well, that’s it for today. The sun is shining and Mt. Baker, in all its gender-neutral glory, is gracing my view as I type up this post. (See photo below.)

But before I leave you in peace, I must mention the name of the last book I finished. Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen. And I must say, if you have not read any books by Carl Hiaasen, then you are missing out.

Carl Hiaasen does not write conventional mysteries. His characters run from bat —- crazy (but lovable) to the most corrupt politicians and bureaucrats imaginable. And in many of his books, people who don’t respect nature or are only interested in obtaining more wealth or power get theirs in an unconventional way. And since I can’t find any mention of the good guys winning in real life, I find reading about outlandish ways to punish those for whom I wouldn’t offer a glass of water if they were dying of thirst, these works of fiction make me laugh. And to tell you the truth, I need to laugh. It’s a crazy world right now. And given a choice, I would rather laugh than cry.

And as always, peace and love to all.     

1 T. vegetable oil

½ onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

½ c. diced tomato

2 c. chopped cooked roast beef

1 (8 oz.) can or jar Mexican salsa (mild to hot) (your choice)

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles

1 tsp. toco seasoning 

tiny pinch crushed red pepper flakes, opt.

5-6 flour tortillas (see recipe for homemade flour tortillas below)

2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided

shredded lettuce, opt.

sour cream, opt.

guacamole, opt.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion and cook until tender and transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Mix in the diced tomato, roast beef, Mexican salsa, chiles, taco seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes, or until thickened.

Arrange tortillas on a clean, flat work surface. Spread an equal amount of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cheese. Fold over ends and sides to make a package.

Place the burritos in a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan. Sprinkle the burritos with the remaining cheese and bake in a pre-heated 400-degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Serve with lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. Or any other condiment that takes your fancy!

FLOUR TORTILLAS

3 c. unbleached all-purpose flour, fluffed

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. baking powder

⅓ c. vegetable oil  

1 c. warm water

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix dry ingredients until well combined.

Add oil and water with mixer running at a low speed. After about 1 minute, or when mixture comes together and begins to form a ball, continue to mix for 1 minute more or until the dough is smooth.

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 8 equal portions. Turn each piece to coat with flour. Form each piece into a ball and flatten with the palm of your hand. Cover flattened balls of dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rest for at least 30 minutes (or as much as 2 hours) before proceeding.

After the rest period, heat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Roll a dough piece into a very thin, rough circle, about 7-8 inches in diameter, while keeping the work surface and rolling pin lightly floured.

When the pan is hot, place the dough circle into or onto the pan and allow it to cook about a minute or until the bottom surface has a few light brown spots and the uncooked surface is bubbly. If it is browning too fast, reduce the heat a bit. If it’s taking longer than a minute to see a few golden-brown spots on the underside of tortillas, increase the heat a bit.

Using a spatula, flip to the other side and cook for 15-20 seconds.

The tortillas should be nice and soft but have a few small brown spots on the surface. While the first tortilla is baked, roll out the second so it is ready to bake when the first one is off the griddle. Then proceed the same way until all the tortillas are baked.

Note: Don’t be tempted to roll out all the tortillas before starting to bake them. Or if you do, stack the uncooked tortillas separated by parchment paper or you will never get them apart. 

Remove the baked tortilla from pan and stack to help keep the tortillas soft. 

Serve the tortillas warm or allow them to cool for later use. When ready to use, place a slightly damp paper towel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container (with a cover) that will hold the stacked tortillas. Microwave uncovered for 15-30 seconds (start with 15) or until warm, then keep covered to hold heat while serving.

Or, for this recipe, fill the tortilla as instructed above.

Store extra tortillas in an airtight container or Ziplock bag at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To freeze, separate tortillas with waxed paper and place them in a Ziplock bag before placing them in your freezer.

Mt. Baker with Camano Island’s very own Barnum Point in the foreground. The water is Port Susan Bay.

SIMPLE PICO DE GALLO

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A couple of days ago we were in the mood for burritos. But to complicate matters, we didn’t have any tortillas or salsa. We had everything else including pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, etc. And neither of us had the strength to go to the grocery store.

But flour tortillas – no problem. Flour tortillas can easily be made at home. (Check out my recipe for Flour Tortillas on this site. Quick and easy and better than anything you can find in a store.) But no salsa in the pantry. So, now what to do?

OK, I already had a great recipe for Pico de Gallo on this site, but I didn’t have a red onion, a jalapeño pepper, or any cilantro.

So, I improvised. And the recipe you find below is what I came up with. And it was delicious. We were almost fighting over who got to spoon the last little bit out of the bowl!

And truly, if there is anything better than homemade Pico de Gallo, I have yet to meet it. And even the best brands (usually quite expensive) can’t compare with homemade. Where is the love after all?! And as we all know, love is still the best ingredient in any dish. Be it cookies, sauces, meatloaf, soup, you name it.

Well, that’s it for today. I’m celebrating the fact that I have finished posting my recent trip report, which believe it or not takes a great deal of time to assemble. So, tonight, I’m making a creamy gorgonzola pasta dish. Lots of calories, and I hope to enjoy every caloric mouthful. Along with a simple salad, I know I will then feel well rewarded for all my effort. (Of course, I truly enjoy writing about our adventures. So, “effort” might be a slight exaggeration. But I’ll use it if only for the “reward” advantage.)   

So, for now, I’m going to take it easy and read all afternoon.

And as always – peace and love to all.   

2 c. diced fresh tomatoes, juice and all (I had cherry tomatoes on hand)

¾ c. finely diced white onion

2 T. chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (I used parsley. That’s what was in my fridge. Plus, I hate cilantro.)

¼ c. fresh lime juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 T. finely minced (seeded and deveined) Hatch* or jalapeño chili pepper, or more to taste

½ tsp. fine sea salt, or more to taste

freshly ground black pepper (not too much)  

Combine all ingredients and chill until ready to use.

*I buy fresh Hatch chilies when they appear at Farmer’s markets. Then I seed and devein them and throw them whole into my freezer. Then when I need a bit of heat for a recipe, I cut off a section, thaw it a bit in the microwave, and chop it into very small bits. And yes, Hatch chilies can be rather hot. So, go carefully into that spicy arena.  

MEXICAN TOMATO AND GREEN CHILI (FIESTA) DIP

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I try very hard not to make a pig of myself when I taste something super delicious for the first time. Really, I do. But being only human, I kind of turn into a zombie and simply get lost in the moment. And that’s exactly what happened the first time I tasted this dip.

We were at our good friends Jim and Margo’s home to watch the Super Bowl.

Now, something you should know about me, I could care less about football. I mean really, grown men destroying their bodies just to carry a ball into a designated area established by other men who have probably never been asked to hurt themselves for the entertainment of others. If it were me, I’d say “you want the – – – –  ball in the end zone – do it yourself”! Apparently, I just don’t get it!  

Anyway, we were invited to join the fun, along with dear friends Tim and Phyllis, for an afternoon of food, drink, and friendship. And coincidentally – football.

So, while the others were glued to the TV, I ate way more than my share of Phyllis’s wonderful dip. (Well, I had to do something to stay occupied!) (Then of course I had to ask for the recipe.)

This is not exactly the recipe Phyllis gave me, because I used what I had on hand without having to make a special trip to the grocery store. But all the ingredients from the taco seasoning through black pepper can be replaced by using a package of Fiesta Ranch Dip. Regardless, this is a very simple dip to prepare. And well worth the effort.

So, if you too love a good creamy dip, this is the recipe for you.

Well, that’s it for today. And sorry for trashing football. I know there are millions of you out there that love the sport. Now if we had been watching soccer, that would have been an entirely different story. I love soccer. As the saying goes – to each his (or her) own.

But to all, peace and love from my home to yours.   

2 c. sour cream (Mexican sour cream preferably)

1 (10-oz.) can Rotel original (diced tomatoes with green chilies) drained

1 tsp. taco seasoning

1 tsp. dry chives

1 tsp. dried parsley

¼ tsp. granulated garlic

¼ tsp. granulated onion

¼ tsp. seasoned salt

freshly ground black pepper

½ – 1 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese (your choice)

Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for a couple of hours but bring to room temperature before serving with tortilla chips.

SAVORY MEXICAN STYLE WHOLE PINTO BEANS

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OK, what I like most when I go to a Mexican restaurant are the beans, after the warm tortilla chips and salsa that is! Now I don’t know about you, but to my thinking, a Mexican restaurant is defined by the quality of the beans they serve. Because even in a good Mexican restaurant, most of the enchiladas, tacos, etc. taste pretty much the same. But give me a restaurant that makes good beans, and I’m in heaven.

And believe me, over the years I have tried dozens of times to make really good, refried beans. And I have a couple recipes on this site that are good. But I am still in search of the perfect refried bean recipe.

Recently however, some Mexican restaurants have been serving the main dish with a side of beans in a small bowl. Not re-fried or drained whole beans, but rather, saucy beans that require containment. And I have found that I really like beans served this way. Thus, this recipe.

Now, this is not a mild-mannered recipe for beans. These beans come with an attitude. They practically demand to be taken seriously! So, be prepared. And if you don’t like strongly flavored beans, this is not the recipe for you.

But if you like savory dishes with a bit of heat, then by all means proceed on down the page. Because this simple recipe produces some mighty fine tasting beans. Enough said.

Well, it’s the 4th of July. And some of our neighbors, who obviously have very few brain cells left working properly, have been setting off fireworks for several days now. And I for one am tired of the noise. And damn tired of our poor kitties having to hide in our basement hallway to try and get as far away from the booms as possible.

So, when I read this article in todays’ Seattle Times, I thought I would pass it along to you. Because it beautifully states how I feel about the subject. Oh, that I was intuitive and clever enough to have penned this short and poignant article. But alas, it was written by people with greater insight than I possess. Regardless, the fact that it was written and published at all is what really matters!      

DON’T SET OFF FIREWORKS — IT’S THE PATRIOTIC THING TO DO – by the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board. 

“Be careful out there with fireworks. Here’s a perspective from Washington’s dry side at the start of wildland fire season.

The warnings go out every year — because every year, the thoughtless among us make the same irresponsible mistakes. Mistakes that can threaten lives, destroy people’s homes, and cost us all money.

So here it is again: Don’t set off illegal fireworks this week.

Yes, the Fourth of July is a great cause for celebration. It’s the anniversary of our nation’s conception — the date we declared our independence from England’s royal rule.

But setting off dangerous and illegal fireworks doesn’t do anything to advance the cause of freedom. It’s just boneheaded behavior that puts bone-dry countryside at risk needlessly.

If the Founding Fathers could’ve seen this coming, maybe they’d have held off on the Declaration of Independence until December or January, when the ground is usually a lot wetter.

This year, after a historically dry spring, local fire authorities have gone a step further than usual, issuing a summerlong burn ban throughout the unincorporated areas of Yakima County. The ban took effect Saturday and stays up through Sept. 30.

The ban, combined with an existing prohibition on fireworks in unincorporated areas, is meant to discourage would-be pyromaniacs from accidentally laying waste to their neighbors’ houses or setting off wildfires that blacken hundreds of acres.

Instead, they’re urging fireworks fans to express their love for the country by attending any of the various community celebrations planned for the Fourth — and by taking in any of the professionally staged fireworks shows that are in the works.

Trust us, you’re doing the patriotic thing here.

Your neighbors will thank you. Your pets will thank you. And perhaps more than anyone else, local fire crews will thank you. Besides, if you really love your country, you don’t want to burn it down, do you?”

On that happy note, have a great 4th of July everyone. And peace and love to all.

¾ c. dry pinto beans, rinsed

1½ c. water

1 T. bacon grease or extra virgin olive oil (if you want vegetarian beans)

¾ c. chopped onion

2 lg. garlic cloves, minced

freshly ground pepper

½ tsp. ground cumin

1-2 T. chopped pickled jalapeño (depends how spicy you like your beans)

2 c. water, or more as needed  

2 tsp. vegetable base (I use Better Than Bouillon)

Bring the rinsed pinto beans and 1½ cups of water to a boil in a covered pan. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and leave covered for 2 hours. Or soak the beans overnight.

Heat the bacon grease or olive oil in a medium sized heavy pan with a lid. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Then add the black pepper, cumin, chopped pickled jalapeño, water, and veggie base to the pot. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover and simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring every so often until the beans are tender. Add more water if needed.

Remove the lid and simmer another 15 minutes or so, until the liquid has evaporated a bit.  

Serve with any of your favorite Mexican dishes.

GROUND TURKEY AND MEXICAN CHORIZO FILLED GREEN PEPPERS, BURRITOS, AND TACOS  

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Stuffed Green Peppers

As promised, here is another recipe featuring Mexican chorizo. This recipe comes straight from our dear friend Jim. Who, BTW, is an amazing cook. And for anyone who has had the pleasure of dining at Jim and Margo’s home, you know of what I speak. You too are blessed. But enough pontificating. I don’t want Jim to get a swollen head. I just want you to know that I am not responsible for this marvelous recipe. I wish I were, but my mother always told me that honesty is the best policy. (Apparently, a lot of politicians never got that same directive from their mothers, but that’s a story for another time!)

Anyway, this versatile filling recipe is absolutely delicious and super easy to prepare. At first glance it looks like the recipe makes a big batch of filling. And guess what? It does! All’s the better as far as I’m concerned. Because this filling freezes beautifully. Besides, what kind of recipe calls for half a pound of ground meat? Ground meat doesn’t come in half pound packages. At least not in the grocery stores I frequent!

Anyway, just make this fabulous filling. Make stuffed peppers, or use it for terrific burritos or tacos, or any other dish that would profit from a spicy, meaty infusion of southwestern flavor. And lest I forget, this is a fairly healthy filling. Lots of veggie action happening and no starchy ingredients.  

So, again, thank you Jim for this terrific recipe. I made Stuffed Green Peppers last night for dinner, and this morning I made Breakfast Burritos. Absolute culinary bliss my friends.

As always, keep smiling. We aren’t out of the woods yet with covid. But we are moving towards the edge of the woods where the trees are further apart, the sun is breaking through, and that just might be a meadow further down the path.

Peace and love to all.

Ground Turkey and Mexican Chorizo Filling:

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 lb. ground turkey (part white and dark meat, if possible)

1 lb. bulk Mexican chorizo

1 onion, diced

3-4 celery ribs, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 red pepper, diced

5-6 garlic cloves, minced

1 (28-oz,) can diced tomatoes (Italian are best)

3-4 T. chili powder

3-4 T. taco seasoning

freshly ground black pepper

¾-1 c. chopped fresh cilantro or 2-3 T. dried cilantro*

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and chorizo. Fry the meat until cooked through and browned.

Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and red pepper. Cook until the veggies are softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, taco seasoning, and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, for about 30 minutes to blend flavors and reduce the liquid. Remove from heat and add the cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.

*Dried cilantro doesn’t taste like fresh cilantro. Fresh cilantro has a strong lemony and slightly peppery flavor, which some people (like me) find to taste kind of soapy. In other words, fresh cilantro is not my favorite ingredient. I much prefer dried cilantro which has a weak cilantro flavor and is perfect in soups, stews, or any recipe that requires a bit of cooking time to blend flavors.

STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS

4 green peppers (or however many you need)

Ground Turkey and Mexican Chorizo filling

grated cheese (I use sharp cheddar or mozzarella)

Slice the green peppers in half, top to bottom. Carefully cut out the stem, then remove the membranes and seeds.   

Lightly grease a baking pan. Place the half peppers, cut side up in the pan and fill with the meat mixture. You will have extra filling. I suggest freezing it for tacos or burritos. (See recipes below.)   

Bake the peppers in a pre-heated 375-degree oven for 75-90 minutes or until the pepper are soft and starting to brown. (If the filling gets too brown during the baking process, cover with aluminum foil.) About 5 minutes before removing the peppers from the oven, liberally cover the tops with grated cheese.

Remove from oven and serve immediately.

BURRITOS*

tortillas (whole wheat or regular)

Ground Turkey and Mexican Chorizo filling

grated cheese

refried or whole pinto beans, opt.

shredded lettuce

finely diced tomato

sour cream

diced avocado

Stuff lightly warmed tortillas with filling, grated cheese, and a tiny bit of refried beans. Wrap and heat on high for 1 minute in your microwave. Serve lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, and diced avocado on the side.

Note: I warm the tortillas just before wrapping because warming them makes them more pliable.

BREAKFAST BURRITOS*

tortillas (whole wheat or regular)

Ground Turkey and Mexican Chorizo filling

scrambled eggs

grated sharp cheddar cheese

chopped green onions

Stuff lightly warmed tortillas with filling, scrambled eggs, grated cheese, and chopped green onion. Wrap and heat on high for 1 minute in your microwave. Serve sprinkled with a bit more grated cheese and sour cream on the side.

Note: I warm the tortillas just before wrapping because warming them makes them more pliable.

TACOS*

taco shells

Ground Turkey and Mexican Chorizo filling

refried or whole pinto beans, opt.

grated cheese

shredded lettuce

finely diced tomato

diced avocado

sour cream

Place hot filling in shells. Serve with a variety of additives including refried beans, grated cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocados, and sour cream.

*In my opinion, there is no need for salsa with these dishes. The salsa would just get in the way of the lovely flavor of the Ground Turkey and Mexican Chorizo filling.

    

MEXICAN CHORIZO SOUP WITH VEGETABLES AND BLACK BEANS

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I don’t know if all grocery stores carry bulk chorizo sausage, but our local IGA does, house made, and really tasty. But I must confess. I am brand new at using chorizo as an ingredient. And for the life of me, after making this soup, I have no idea what I was waiting for. An engraved invitation from the chorizo growers of America? Or divine inspiration from heaven? Whatever!! But I’m darn sure you will be seeing more recipes in the near future containing chorizo. And it all started with Mr. C.  

Since the beginning of the covid scare, Mr. C. has been doing 99% of our provisioning. And some time ago, apparently, he came home with a package of bulk chorizo sausage. Since he is also the member of our family who does most of the retrieving from our freezer, I never even knew this package of chorizo existed. (Well, maybe he mentioned it to me. But I have as much of a selected hearing problem as the next person.) So, when he recently asked me when I planned to use the chorizo, I gave him one of my “deer in the headlights” look. He immediately understood that I had no idea what in the heck he was talking about. So, after a bit of discussion, it was decided that I would figure out a way to use this ingredient in the near future. So, based on a chorizo and white bean soup recipe I found on the Curtis Stone site, please allow me to introduce you to a really great use for chorizo.

This soup is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. With lots of vegetable action happening. And isn’t that great. Veggies are so darn good for us. Which reminds me.

The other day as I was chopping up carrot, onion, and celery (mirepoix), I thought about how often I use this vegetative trio. In truth, at least twice a week. Especially during fall and winter. And I end up chopping fresh garlic at least 4 times a week. At least! But that’s just fine with me. Because these ingredients make such a great flavor base for so many tasty dishes. So, hats off to onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Well, that’s it for today. I believe I have always told you that I am one lucky lady. And today is another proof positive. The guys from Seabreeze are rehearsing in our living room. Live jazz. Right here. In my very own living room. Life just doesn’t get much finer than listening to great music performed in your own home.

Peace and love to all.

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 lb. Mexican* chorizo sausage 

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, cut in half, then into thin slices   

2 celery ribs, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

2 sm. or 1 lg. fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into small pieces  

4 garlic cloves, finely minced

2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme

1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp. smoked paprika

½ tsp. ground cumin

¾ c. dry white wine

6 c. chicken broth

freshly ground black pepper

1 (15 to 19-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed (I use Cento brand black beans)

Heat a large, heavy, covered soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally until the meat is nicely browned. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chorizo to a small bowl. Set aside.

Add the onion, carrots, celery, and fennel; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and cumin and cook for 1 minute.

Add the wine and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Add the broth and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the beans and cooked chorizo. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Ladle the soup into soup bowls. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Great served with crostini. (See recipe below.)

CROSTINI

crusty French or Italian bread

extra-virgin olive oil

flaky or fine sea salt, to taste

Pre-heat your oven to 450-degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.  

Slice the baguette on the diagonal into pieces no wider than ½-inch. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.

Place the slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them on the middle rack for 6 to 9 minutes, or until they are crisp and nicely golden on top. Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve immediately.

*The difference between Mexican and Spanish chorizo

Chorizo is a highly seasoned chopped or ground pork sausage used in Spanish and Mexican cuisine. Mexican chorizo is made with fresh (raw, uncooked) pork (and needs to be cooked), while the Spanish version is usually smoked. (Can be eaten like any other salami or sausage.)

According to The Spruce Eats “Spanish chorizo is a cured, or hard, sausage made from coarsely chopped pork. The red color of Spanish chorizo is due to the heavy amounts of paprika in the spice mix. Depending on the type of paprika used, Spanish chorizo can be either spicy or sweet. The paprika used in Spanish chorizo is almost always smoked, which gives the sausage a deep, smoky flavor. Other ingredients are herbs, garlic, and white wine, and the links can range from short to very long.

Because the sausage has been cured, meaning it has been aged for several weeks, it can be eaten without cooking and is often served sliced as part of a meat tray or tapas assortment. Spanish chorizo is also used to add flavor to cooked dishes like stews or paella, and even for special occasions. In general, fattier Spanish chorizos are used for cooking, whereas leaner chorizos are sliced and eaten without cooking. For both, the casings are edible.

Mexican chorizo is quite different from Spanish chorizo. The meat is usually ground, rather than chopped, and the sausage is fresh rather than cured. The red color of Mexican chorizo usually comes from spicy red pepper rather than the smoked paprika you find in Spanish chorizo. Pork fat is often added to the meat mixture, along with other spices and vinegar. The links are short, and air dried for one day to a week.

Mexican chorizo is sold raw and must be cooked prior to eating. It can be cooked either in its casings or removed from the casing and cooked like ground meat. Mexican chorizo is a popular grill item but is also used in place of ground beef in tacos, burritos, chili, burgers, soups, and even egg dishes.”

Mr. C. at piano
Grant on drums, Walt on bass, and Jerry on flugelhorn
And last but not least, the amazing Mr. Dave K. on trombone

GROUND BEEF AND BLACK BEAN CHILI

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OK, I know, everyone already has their favorite recipe for chili, and I actually already have several recipes on this site that I dearly love too. So, what made me go online and look for another chili recipe is anyone’s guess. And why black beans? Well, that’s easy. I was too lazy to cook kidney beans from scratch and all I had in the pantry was a lone can of black beans. So, I thought – what the heck. Go online and see how other cooks make their chili using black beans. And I stumbled on to the juliasalbum.com site. As I perused the ingredients, it looked like the perfect chili recipe to me. Of course, I added a couple of ingredients and played fast and loose with some of the spice amounts, but other than that, this fabulous and easy to prepare chili recipe is compliments of Julia.

So, what makes this chili special? Well for one thing, it contains more vegetables than you usually find in chili. (That’s a plus BTW.) And 5 cloves of garlic. That’s more garlic than you find in most chili recipes. The spices are not uncommon, but the cup of beef broth is. And beef broth is such a wonderful ingredient to bring extra richness to any dish. So, basically, this is just a good basic recipe for a fabulous bowl of chili. And in my book, there is just nothing finer. Served with a nice cornbread muffin, life is good.

As always, have fun in your kitchen. And remember, some of the best food in the world is often very simple to prepare and has been a family favorite for decades. But that doesn’t mean the dish can’t be “revised” periodically. Hope you enjoy this “revision”.

Peace and love to all.

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 med. carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely diced

¼ c. chopped Hatch chili or ½ c. chopped green bell pepper

5 garlic cloves, chopped

3 T. chili powder

4 tsp. paprika

4 tsp. Italian seasoning

2 tsp. cumin

½ tsp. kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 (28-oz) can whole or diced tomatoes, plus juice (Italian tomatoes, if possible) 

1 c. beef broth

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

grated sharp cheddar cheese, garnish

thinly sliced green onions, garnish

sour cream, garnish

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy covered pan. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add the onion, carrot, Hatch chili or bell pepper, and celery; stir well and continue cooking for about 2 more minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.

Stir in the chili powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the canned tomatoes with juices and the beef broth. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Add the black beans and cook for another 20 minutes or so.

To serve, pass the grated cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and sour cream.

BAKED PORK CARNITAS

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OK, I admit, the picture does not do the carnitas justice. But if there were any real justice anyway, someone would take my camera away from me. I give the whole “photography thing” a bad name!

For whatever reason, I had never made carnitas before yesterday. I had prepared pulled pork, but never pork carnitas. And I must say, I much prefer carnitas. Because unlike pulled pork, the meat is finished by roasting uncovered in the oven until all tender and brown with lovely crispy bits. Then removed from the pan, allowed to cool a bit, and shredded. Then returned to the pot and stirred into the remaining juice. So, in the end you have, tender, partially crisp, and very flavorful meat in sauce to use in any of your favorite Mexican recipes. Tacos, burritos, tamales, to name a few.

Last evening, I simply warmed some corn tortillas to hold the pork carnitas meat, then laid out homemade refried beans, diced avocado, finely chopped tomato, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a mild red salsa. Yum! And the beautiful part, I had spent hardly any prep time on this fabulous way to use a fairly inexpensive cut of pork. Well, the prep time was insignificant, but the time in the oven would preclude this being a great weekday recipe for any person getting home after 2:00 in the afternoon. Because the total time in the oven is at least 3 hours.

However, the good news is that the cook doesn’t have to babysit the pork while it’s in the oven. So, this is a great recipe for a Saturday or Sunday evening, or whatever day of the week you are off work.   

And oh my gosh, pork is so delicious fixed this way. The smell alone emanating from your oven is worth any effort expended on this dish. And while the pork is braising/roasting away, all you wonderful cooks out there will be free to attend to other household duties. Such as cleaning your house, doing loads of laundry, hunting and gathering groceries, providing assistance with your kid’s homework, gardening, and my personal favorite – chauffeuring your kidlets all over God’s creation! (And yes, I still have vague memories of weekends when my kids were young. But a lot of my time spent being a mommy to young children and keeping a household running remain a blur, which I fervently hope will solidify as I get old. OK, get even older! Because I would really like to remember a bit more about those very busy years of my life!) (And I know, be careful what you wish for!)

Anyway, take it from me, this dish from the recipetineats.com site is one you most assuredly should make at your earliest convenience. Your family will love it. And it’s absolutely guest worthy. Perfect for a taco party. (When we can once again welcome guests into our homes, that is!) 

So, as always, be adventurous in your kitchen, laugh out loud whenever the mood strikes, and cherish the time you spend with your family. They may drive you bat poop crazy some days, but those days will be long gone sooner than you can even begin to imagine.

Peace and love to all.

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground cumin 

2½ lb. boneless, skinless pork shoulder, trimmed of as much fat as possible

½ onion , chopped

½ jalapeño, seeded, deveined and finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ c. orange juice

1½ c. water  

Combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Rinse and dry the pork, then rub all over with olive oil mixture. 

Place the pork in a Dutch oven or covered roasting pan. Surround the meat with the onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, orange juice, and water.

Cover and braise the meat in a pre-heated 325-degree oven for 2 hours. Uncover and continue roasting for another 60-90 minutes. During this time, the liquid will reduce considerably, and the meat will become brown and crisp. (Check after 60 minutes.) Add additional water if required. (You want to end up with very tender, partially crispy brown meat, and a scant cup of liquid.)

Remove meat to a platter, let cool slightly, then shred using two forks. Discard any fat. Add the meat back to the pot and stir to combine with the remaining liquid. Use in any of your favorite recipes.

Easy way to warm corn tortillas:

Wrap a stack of tortillas (five or fewer) in aluminum foil and heat at 350-degrees  for 15 to 20 minutes. 

I wish the pink in this picture of the evening sky was as vivid as what we experienced first hand the other evening. It still amazes me after living on Camano Island for 12 plus years, to see masses of clouds over the mainland. And clear skies overhead and to the West. So the setting sun often brightens up the clouds like this. It’s a wonderful world folks. And watching the beauty of nature is a gift we can all share.

 

FLOUR TORTILLAS

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As you can see, my rolling out the dough technique was fine. My getting the rolled dough to the griddle, not so much! Hopefully I will have many more years to get it right. And even if they never look pretty, they will always taste divine.

And to think I have been buying flour tortillas all these years. What could I possibly have been thinking? OK, obviously I wasn’t thinking! Even after purchasing un-baked flour tortillas at Costco for years that always tasted better and fresher than any flour tortillas I could find at a regular grocery store. The reason of course being that they were frozen raw and only baked at home just before being served.  So, in essence, these un-baked tortillas were fresh. And yet, it never occurred to me to make my own dough?!?! As if it could possibly be terribly difficult to build? Which, BTW, it is not! 5 simple ingredients combined in a stand mixer using a dough hook. Then “baked” (kind of like a pancake) for a couple of minutes. So – incredibly – easy!   

So, now that I’ve made my own flour tortillas, I plan to never go back to buying them either from Costco (I don’t even know if they sell frozen raw tortillas anymore) or from our local grocery store. Purchased tortillas are simply not as delicious as the ones I made a couple of evenings ago. Plus, making my own means I have control over the quality of the ingredients. And there are no unpronounceable ingredients for me to ponder. That too is very important to me.

It all started two mornings ago with me wanting to use 2 ripe avocadoes for guacamole. So, I thought burritos would be fun to serve too. But I didn’t have either flour or corn tortillas on hand. And I really didn’t want Mr. C. to make an unnecessary trip to the grocery store for 1 item. (Pandemic aside, we try to limit our shopping excursions to times when we need products from several stores and can hunt and gather all in one trip.) So, one item, one shop was out of the question. Now, never one to have a menu plan thwarted by a problem so menial as a missing gluten product, I went on-line to see what I could find.

When I discovered this recipe on thecafesucrefarine.com site, I was thrilled. It looked perfect. And I was right. This fabulous recipe produced the most tender and delectable flour tortillas. I wrapped the baked tortillas around seasoned ground beef, re-fried beans, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then just before I served them, I put a small amount of veggie oil in a pan and browned the burritos so that the tortilla shell would be a bit crunchy. Then I served them with several condiments – sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, chopped lettuce, finely minced red onion, and black olives. Yum! As far as the guacamole part, suffice it to say that when I cut the 2 beautiful avocados open, the flesh was filled with streaky black veins throughout. Yuck! I hate it when that happens. So, into the yard waste container they went. Grrrrrrr So, there was no guacamole on our plates that evening. But the wonderful burritos made up for it. Well, almost!  

So, as always – think outside the box. If someone else can build a “culinary something”, you undoubtedly can too. Or at least you can give it that old college try! If you learn nothing else from me, let it be that regardless of whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an accomplished cook, if you can read and follow directions, you most certainly will amaze yourself and your family with what you can accomplish. And like anything else, the more you practice your craft, the easier it becomes and the more fun you will have doing it. It’s like that famous old joke.  “A fellow goes to New York to attend a concert but gets lost.  He spots another fellow who’s carrying a violin case.  “Sir, can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?”  The musician smiles and says, “Practice, practice, practice.” So, happy cooking everyone. Salud!

Peace and love to all.

3 c. unbleached all-purpose flour, fluffed

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. baking powder

⅓ c. vegetable oil  

1 c. warm water

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix dry ingredients until well combined.

Add oil and water with mixer running at a low speed. After about 1 minute, or when mixture comes together and begins to form a ball, continue to mix for 1 minute more or until the dough is smooth.

Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 8-10 equal portions. Turn each piece to coat with flour. Form each piece into a ball and flatten with the palm of your hand. Cover flattened balls of dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes (or as much as 2 hours) before proceeding.

After the rest period, heat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Roll a dough piece into a very thin rough circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter, while keeping the work surface and rolling pin lightly floured. When the pan is hot, place the dough circle into or onto the pan and allow to cook 45 seconds to 1 minute or until the bottom surface has a few pale brown spots and the uncooked surface is bubbly. If browning too fast, reduce the heat a bit. If it’s taking longer than a minute to see a few pale golden-brown spots on the underside of tortillas, increase the heat a bit. Using a spatula, flip to other side and cook for 15-20 seconds. The tortillas should be nice and soft but have a few small brown spots on the surface. While the first tortilla bakes, roll out the second so it is ready to bake when the first one is done. Then proceed the same way until all the tortillas are baked.

Note: Don’t be tempted to roll out all the tortillas before starting to bake them. Or if you do, stack the uncooked tortillas separated by parchment paper or you will never get them apart. 

Remove the baked tortilla from pan and stack to help keep the tortillas soft. Promptly place the next tortilla on the pan and let it bake as you roll out the next.

Serve warm or allow to cool for later use. When ready to use, place a slightly damp paper towel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container (with a cover) that will hold the stacked tortillas. Microwave uncovered for 15-30 seconds (start with 15) or until warm, then keep covered to hold heat while serving.

Store in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, separate tortillas with waxed paper and place in a zippered bag before placing in the freezer.