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Foods from South of the Border

Beef Fajitas

Beef Fajitas

12oz. Boneless Top Sirloin
3 T. Lime Juice
1/2 tsp. Coriander
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1 Green Pepper, sliced
1 Onion, sliced
Salsa, as desired

Cut meat into 1” strips. Mix lime juice with coriander and chili powder and pour over meat. Set aside to marinade for up to three hours. Meanwhile, slice vegetables; add to meat mixture and stir. Stir-fry meat and vegetables over a medium high heat in a nonstick skillet until done. Serve in Tortilla or over rice.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 3oz. Beef and 1/4 Vegetable mixture

Calories: 177
Fat: 5.8g
Fiber: .8g

Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Cheese Enchilada Casserole

1 C. (4 oz.) shredded reduced-fat extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 C. chopped tomato
1 C. fat-free cottage cheese
1/3 C. sliced green onions
2 tsp. chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
9 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Cooking spray
1 C. taco sauce (such as Ortega)
1/4 C. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Arrange 3 tortillas in bottom of an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread half of cheese mixture over tortillas. Repeat procedure with 3 tortillas and remaining cheese mixture; top with remaining tortillas. Pour taco sauce over tortillas; sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 299
Fat: 6g
FIber: 4.3g

Asian Turkey with Red Onion Salsa

Asian Turkey with Red Onion Salsa

1/4 C. lemon juice
Dash of Olive Oil
1 T. grated lemon peel
2 T. red wine vinegar
2 T. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 lb. turkey breast tenderloins
Red Onion Salsa (below)

Mix all ingredients except turkey and Red Onion Salsa in shallow glass or plastic dish. Add turkey; turn to coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate, turning once, at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours. Prepare Red Onion Salsa. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, with cooking spray. Remove turkey from marinade; discard marinade. Place turkey in pan. Bake uncovered about 35 minutes, brushing with pan drippings after 10 minutes, until juice of turkey is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Serve with salsa.

Red Onion Salsa

2 medium red onions, finely chopped (1 1/2 C.)
1 medium tomato, finely chopped (3/4 C.)
4 medium green onions, chopped (1/4 C.)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 C. lemon juice
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
2 T. balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)

Mix all ingredients in glass or plastic bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Chipotle Roasted Turkey and Potatoes

Chipotle Roasted Turkey and Potatoes

1 1/2 tsp. Chipotle Chile pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. oregano leaves
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3 Yukon gold potatoes quartered
1 egg white
2 tsp. brown sugar sub
2 turkey breast tenderloins cut into sections

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Combine first 5 ingredients. Put quartered (small bit sizes pieces) potatoes in Ziploc baggie with egg white toss to coat potatoes put one spoonful of spice mixture in and toss. Take remaining spices and mix brown sugar in rub into turkey tenderloins. Place in 1/2 of baking dish put potatoes on the other side. Cover tightly with tinfoil. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Spicy Sirloin Steaks with Fresh Corn Salsa

Spicy Sirloin Steaks with Fresh Corn Salsa

For the salsa:
2 C. fresh corn kernels, cut from the cob (about 2 ears)
1/2 C. diced red bell pepper
1/4 C. diced scallions
1 T. chopped fresh oregano or cilantro leaves
1/4 C. fresh lime juice
pinch sugar to taste
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper

For the steaks:
4 top sirloin steaks, about 4 to 6 oz. each
1 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder or to taste

Cut the corn from the cob and place in a small pot of boiling water. Cook the corn until it is just tender. (Very fresh corn will cook in about 1 minute, while older corn will take a few more minutes.) Drain and place the corn in a mixing bowl. Add the red pepper, scallions, oregano, lime juice and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.(This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salsa should be served at room temperature.) Preheat the grill to high. Combine the salt, black pepper and chili powder in a small bowl and season the steaks. Cook the steaks on the hot grill to your desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium. Serve the steaks topped with the fresh salsa.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 steak with salsa

Calories: 261
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 3g

Sante Fe Chops with Firecracker Salsa

Sante Fe Chops with Firecracker Salsa

6 1-1/2 inch-thick boneless pork center loin chops, trimmed of any fat
1 T. chili powder
1 T. ground cumin
1 T. ground black pepper

Mix together seasonings and spread evenly on both surfaces of chops. Place chops on a kettle-style grill directly over medium-hot coals, lower grill hood and grill for 7-8 minutes; turn chops and grill for 7 minutes more. Serve with Firecracker Salsa on the side.

Firecracker Salsa

In a small bowl, stir together 1 20-oz can drained pineapple tidbits, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 T. fresh lime juice, 1 package Brown Sugar Twin and 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced. Cover and refrigerate 4-24 hours to let flavors blend.

Baked Chimichangas

Baked Chimichangas

2 pounds lean boneless pork
2 cups water
2 T. chili powder
2 T. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried whole oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 8oz. can no salt added tomato sauce
1 4oz. can chopped green chilies
1 cup (4oz.) shredded reduced fat Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
12 (10″) flour tortillas
vegetable cooking spray
12 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
3/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
3/4 cup salsa

Trim fat from pork; cut pork into 2″ pieces. Combine pork, water and next 5 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover, cook over medium low heat for 1 hour or until liquid evaporates. Remove from heat. Shred meat with two forks. Stir in tomato sauce, chilies, cheese and green onions. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil; heat at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Working with one tortilla at a time, coat both sides with cooking spray. Spoon 1/3 cup meat mixture just below center of tortilla. Fold over left and right sides of tortilla to partially cover filling. Fold remaining edges to form a rectangle, and secure with a wooden pick. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Place filled tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes until crisp. Remove picks. Place 1 cup lettuce on each plate; top with chimichanga. Combine sour cream and hot sauce. Top each chimichanga w/ sour cream and salsa.

Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans

3 T. olive or vegetable oil
1 C. onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced, or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander seeds
1 tsp. paprika
1 C. carrots, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 C. fresh parsley, chopped, or 4 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 C. orange juice
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
7 C. cooked black beans, drained (from one lb. dry or 4 16-oz. cans)
1/4 to 1 C. water

Wash and prepare vegetables. In a saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, and spices in oil until onions are clear. Add carrots; sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add green pepper; cook another 5 minutes. Add black pepper, parsley, juice, and tomatoes. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Combine the black beans with the vegetable mixture. Puree only 2-3 C. of the bean mixture in the blender with water to make it smooth. Stir the puree into the remaining beans and simmer for 10 minutes.

Yield: 8 servings
Serving size: 1 C.
Calories: 210
Fat: 4.5g
Fiber: 11g

Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa

Chipotle Tomatillo Salsa

6 husked and finely chopped tomatillos
2 to 3 rinsed, drained, seeded and finely chopped canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 tsp. finely shredded lime peel
1 T. lime juice
1 T. snipped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. honey
1/4 tsp. salt
To make salsa:

Combine all salsa ingredients; cover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes for flavors to blend. Refrigerate any leftover salsa for up to 3 days.

Easy Mexican Cornbread

Easy Mexican Cornbread

3 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix

1 13 1/2 oz. can creamed corn

3 eggs

1/4 C. milk

1 1/2 C. taco flavored shredded cheese (or Mexican Blend)

Optional: 1 minced jalapeno and 2 tsp. chili powder

Mix all the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until just moistened. Spread in a 9×13 pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Test by inserting a toothpick or tapping on the top to see if it’s firm. Do not overcook or it will dry out. I prefer using a metal baking pan-if you use a glass pan it may take 10-15 minutes longer. Watch it carefully.

Goat Cheese Quesadillas with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Goat Cheese Quesadillas with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

1 small onion, chopped coarse

3 garlic cloves, chopped

3 T. olive oil

2 red bell peppers, roasted (procedure follows)

2 T. chopped fresh basil leaves

Salt, pepper

6 (9 to 10-inch) flour tortillas

1 (4 1/2-ounce) log soft mild goat cheese such as Montrachet, cut into 4 pieces, at room temperature

1/4 C. prepared basil pesto

1 small onion, sliced thin

2 T. unsalted butter, softened

Make sauce: In a skillet cook onion and garlic in 1 T. oil over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Transfer onion mixture to a food processor and add roasted peppers, basil, remaining 2 T. oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend sauce until smooth and transfer to a small bowl. (Sauce may be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled, covered.) Put 1 tortilla on a work surface and spread with 1 goat cheese piece, covering surface evenly. Spread 1 T. pesto over goat cheese and cover with one fourth of onion. Repeat layering in the same manner, ending with a tortilla and gently pressing layers together. Make 1 more layered quesadilla with the remaining tortilla.

Refried Beans

Refried Beans

2 C. dry pinto beans

1 tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic

1 tsp. chili flakes

salt to taste.

Rinse the pinto beans and soak them overnight. Rinse well. In a crockpot add pinto beans, 8 C. water, garlic, chili, and salt. Cook on high heat for approximately 8 hours. When beans are very soft, pour off water to drain beans, but save some of the water aside. Use a potato masher to mash beans to desired consistency. Add the reserved water as needed. Let cool and store in the refrigerator. They will thicken as they cool. When you reheat the beans, add water a little at a time until they are the desired thickness. Cost: Whole batch: $0.51 Serving: $0.07

Nacho Pinwheels

Nacho Pinwheels

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet

1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 tsp. Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)

1/3 C. finely shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 C. Green Giant® Mexicorn® whole kernel corn with red and green peppers (from 11-oz can), drained

2 T. finely chopped green onions (2 medium)

Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough and cut into 4 rectangles. In small bowl, mix cream cheese and taco seasoning mix. Stir in Cheddar cheese, corn and onions. Spread 2 T. cream cheese mixture over each rectangle to within 1/4 inch of edges. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 6 slices; place cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Serve warm with salsa.

Fastest-Ever Enchiladas

Fastest-Ever Enchiladas

Salsa:

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chiles, drained

2 scallions, light green and white parts only, finely chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, and finely chopped

1/2 C. finely chopped cilantro leaves

1 lime, juiced

Pinch salt

Enchiladas:

1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (skin and bones discarded)

2 C. grated Cheddar

1 C. sour cream

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 (8-inch) flour tortillas

To prepare the salsa: Combine the tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Add a healthy pinch of salt and set aside at room temperature until ready to cook the enchiladas. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. To prepare the enchiladas: Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add half of the grated cheese, sour cream, and onion; season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Place the tortillas on your work surface. Spoon about 1 C. of the chicken mixture across the center of each tortilla. Roll them up to close and place, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish. Pour the salsa over the tortillas. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the enchiladas with the remaining 1 C. of grated cheese. Return the baking dish to the oven until the cheese is melted and edges of the tortillas are just beginning to get crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve hot.

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo

About 2 – 2 1/2 lb chicken, 4 drumsticks and 4 thighs

1/2 C. soy sauce

1/2 C. rice vinegar

3/4 C. water

1 T. brown sugar, packed

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 bay leaves

1/4 tsp. black pepper

 

Combine everything and marinade for 1 to 3 hours. Bring everything up to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender. You can simmer ahead of time and broil before serving. The more time the chicken sits the sauce the more flavorful it becomes. Remove the chicken to a baking tray. Broil the chicken, skin side up, until the skin is crisp and bronze. Meanwhile, skim off excess fat and reduce the sauce until it’s thick and syrupy. Serve the chicken over rice and spoon the sauce on top.

 

 

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Caldillo (new Mexican Green Chili Stew)

Caldillo (new Mexican Green Chili Stew)

1 1/2 lb. beef sirloin or pork butt; cut into 1-inch cubes

3 T. vegetable oil

1 1/2 C. diced onion

2 T. minced garlic

6 C. chicken or beef broth

1 lb. red or white potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes

2-3 tsp. salt

3 C. roasted, peeled, chopped green chile (or use 3 to 4 large cans of chopped green chile NOT red chile)

2 T. chopped cilantro

3 T. diced red bell pepper

 

Lightly brown meat. Sauté onions and garlic until onion is translucent. Transfer meat and onion mixture to slow cooker. Add broth, potatoes and salt. Cook on high heat for 2 hours. Reduce heat to low and cook for 4 hours. Add green chile and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional hour. Add cilantro and stir. Serve with tortilla chips or warmed flour tortillas.

 

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Pork Fajitas with Pan Roasted Peppers

Pork Fajitas with Pan Roasted Peppers

fajiota1 1/4 lb. boneless pork loin chops, trimmed

Zest and juice of 1 lime

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

4 tsp. plus 1 T. canola oil

3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), seeded and cut into long, 1/2 inch thick strips

1 extra large onion, cut into 1/2 inch slices

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and cut into thin strips

1 C. loosely packed cilantro leaves, tough stems discarded

12 6 inch flour tortillas, warmed

 

Slice pork into long, 1/2 inch thick strips. Place in a bowl with zest, half the lime juice, garlic, salt, cayenne, black pepper, and 2 tsp. oil; toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature 20 minutes (or longer, or overnight, in the fridge). Heat 1 T. oil in a wok (or 12 inch nonstick skillet) over medium high heat. Add bell peppers, onion, and jalapeno; stir fry until onions and peppers are soft and slightly charred, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a metal bowl and toss with cilantro and remaining lime juice; cover with foil and keep warm. Return wok to medium high heat. Add remaining 2 tsp. oil and the pork; stir fry until meat is seared and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Place pork in warmed tortillas and top with vegetables.

 

 

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Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

stuffedFor stuffed jalapeños:

3 slices of bacon

6 ounces whipped cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

2 scallions, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

12-15 medium-sized jalapeños, halved lengthwise, seeds and veins removed

 

For cilantro sauce:

1 bunch cilantro, rinsed clean

1/2 cup sour cream

Juice of 2 to 3 limes

Salt, to taste

 

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the bacon in a skillet or oven until crispy. Let cool and crumble using a knife or your hands. Mix the bacon, cream cheese, jack cheese, scallions, lime juice, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Divide the cheese and bacon mixture between each of jalapeño halves, filling each completely. Make the cilantro sauce: Cut the majority of the stem off the cilantro. (Some stem is fine and will enhance the flavor.) Place the rest of the bundle in a small food processor with the sour cream, lime juice and salt until well combined. Set aside. Place the pepper on a lightly oiled grill (a grill pan or grill stone will work, too). Cover and grill the peppers 7-9 minutes until the bottom has browned and the cheese has melted. If desired, use a small kitchen torch to lightly brown the top of the jalapeños. Arrange the jalapeños on a platter with the cilantro sauce.

 

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Chili Cream Sauce

Chili Cream Sauce

2 parts Sour Cream
1 Part Mayonnaise
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp chili sauce (I used chipotle chili sauce)
1 tsp chili powder (I used a mix of regular chili powder and chipotle chili powder)
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together.

chip

 

 

Canastitas Caprese (Open-faced Empanadas with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella)

Canastitas Caprese (Open-faced Empanadas with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella)

12 empanada shells

3 small tomatoes, chopped

6 oz. mozzarella cheese, diced

10 basil leaves, chiffonade [thinly sliced]

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form a ½-inch pleat by pinching together the side of the empanada shell. Fold the pleat over and press firmly against the edge of the dough. Continue to pleat and fold the empanada shell in this manner until it forms a basket shape.

HowtoShapetheCanastita

Place it on the baking sheet, covered with a slightly dampened dish towel. Repeat the shaping process with the rest of the empanada shells. Evenly divide half of the cheese cubes among the canastitas, followed by all of the chopped tomato and basil. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and a grind of pepper over each canastita. Top the canastitas with the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the dough and cheese turn lightly golden brown. Allow the canastitas to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tips: Roma tomatoes work well in this recipe because they’re not too juicy, but you can use any sort of flavorful garden tomato for the canastitas. You may want to deseed and/or drain the juice from the tomatoes once they’re chopped to keep the canastitas from getting too watery. Also, be generous with the filling — the ingredients cook down considerably in the oven.

capapp

 

 

Chili-Spiced Grilled Halibut with Grilled-Corn Saucy Salsa

Chili-Spiced Grilled Halibut with Grilled-Corn Saucy Salsa

4 ears of corn, shucked

5 T. vegetable oil, plus some for drizzling

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 large red onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 jalapeno, chopped

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped

1 T. dark brown sugar

1 1/2 C. vegetable or chicken stock or broth [I really prefer the flavor of stock over the flavor of broth.]

1 T. chili powder (a palmful)

4 6-oz. 1-inch halibut fillets (1 1/2 lb.)

1/4 C. fresh cilantro leaves (a generous handful), chopped

Juice of 2 limes

 

Preheat a grill pan or outside grill to high. Drizzle the shucked corncobs with a little of the vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the shucked corn on the grill. Turn the corn and char on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the grill and let cool enough so that you can handle them. While the corn is grilling, preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat with 2 T. of the vegetable oil (twice around the pan). Add the onions, garlic, jalapeno, bell peppers, and brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. Add the vegetable or chicken stock and continue to cook for about 4 minutes. For the halibut, in a shallow dish combine the remaining two T. of vegetable oil with the chili powder and a little salt. Add the fish and coat thoroughly. Place the seasoned halibut on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. With a knife, cut the charred corn kernels from the cobs. Add the corn kernels to the skillet with the onion mixture, stir, and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the corn is cooked through. Add the cilantro and lime juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve the grilled halibut with some of the grilled-corn saucy salsa over the top.

 

 

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Fiery Hot Texas T-Bones with Chipotle Smashed Potatoes and Hot and Sweet Pepper Sauté

Fiery Hot Texas T-Bones with Chipotle Smashed Potatoes and Hot and Sweet Pepper Sauté

recipe14finished3 whole jalapenos

3 bell peppers, choose 3 different colors

2 1/2 lb. small potatoes, such as baby Yukon gold or small red skin potatoes, coarsely chopped

Salt

4 slices bacon, chopped

2 T. chipotle powder, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1 C. sour cream

1 T. dark chili powder

1 T. ground cumin

2 T. grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)

2 large T-Bone steaks 1 1/2 inches thick, 2 1/2 lb. total

3 T. vegetable oil, 3 turns of the pan, divided

1/4 C. bourbon, eyeball it

 

Seed and slice the hot and sweet fresh peppers and reserve. Cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Add salt to boiling water. Cook potatoes until tender, 10-12 minutes. Chop and brown bacon in a small skillet and add a T. of chipotle powder and onions. Cook 5 minutes over medium heat until onions are tender. When potatoes are tender, drain and return to hot pot. Add bacon mixture and sour cream to the potatoes. Smash potatoes and season with salt, to taste. While potatoes are working, combine dry spice rub: chili powder, remaining chipotle powder, cumin and grill seasoning. Rub steaks liberally on both sides with the mixture. Heat a 12 to14-inch skillet screaming hot. Add 2 T. of vegetable oil, 2 turns of the pan. It will smoke. Add steaks and do not turn for 6 minutes. Flip and cook another 6 minutes for medium rare, up to 10 minutes for well done. Remove skillet from flame and add bourbon. Return steaks to stove and flame the pan. When the fire goes out, transfer the meat to a large serving platter and pour pan juices over the top. Let meat rest for juices to redistribute. Return pan to heat and add remaining T. vegetable oil to the skillet. Add hot and sweet peppers to the pan and sauté them for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pile peppers alongside steaks. Remove meat from the T bones and cut into 4 portions. Top with some peppers and pile some chipotle smashers along side. Spoon drippings and juices over meat and serve.

 

 

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Omelet of Three Cheese with Red, White and Green Onion Salsa

Omelet of Three Cheese with Red, White and Green Onion Salsa

Salsa:

1/4 C. each finely diced Red Onion, White Onion and Scallions (including 1” green)

1 Tomato, finely diced

1 T. minced Pickled Jalapeno Pepper

Juice of 1 Lime

1 T. minced Cilantro

Salt and pepper

 

Omelet:

2 rounded T. shredded Pepper Jack Cheese

2 rounded T. Parmesan Cheese

2 rounded T. Goat Cheese, crumbled

4 Large Eggs

4 tsp. Water

2 T. Butter

 

In small bowl mix together onions, tomato, jalapeno, lime juice and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. In a bowl combine cheeses. In a separate bowl beat 2 eggs with 2 tsp. water and salt and pepper to taste. Heat a well seasoned omelet pan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 to 1 T. butter and swirl to coat sides and bottom with melted butter. Pour in egg mixture and shake the skillet over heat to spread eggs out evenly. Once bottom begins to set, sprinkle with half of cheese mixture and rapidly jerk skillet towards you until omelet begins to roll over on itself. Tilt the skillet with one hand, using a fork with the other to roll the omelet over once more. Tilt out onto heated serving plate. Repeat with remaining egg, butter and cheese to make a second omelet. Garnish with salsa and serve.

 

 

 

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Salsa Stoup and Double Decker Baked Quesadillas

Salsa Stoup and Double Decker Baked Quesadillas

salsastoup2 T. vegetable oil, plus some for brushing the tortillas

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped with greens

3 garlic cloves, chopped

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 28oz can stewed tomatoes

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes

2 C. vegetable or chicken stock or broth

3 T. chopped fresh cilantro

6 6-8″ flour tortillas

1 C. shredded cheddar

3 scallions, chopped

1 C. shredded pepper jack

sour cream, for garnish

 

Preheat the oven to 300. Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and the jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, celery and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then saute the veggies for 5 minutes. Add all the tomatoes and stock and bring to a bubble. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the cilantro. Paint one side of 2 tortillas with oil and place them, oiled side down, on a large cookie sheet. Mix the cheddar with the scallions and divide between the tortillas evenly. Top with another tortilla and top each of those with equal amounts of pepper jack cheese. Set the last tortillas on top and brush the tops with oil. Bake the quesadillas for 10 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes to set. Cut each into 6 wedges. Serve each bowl of stoup with 3 wedges of quesadilla alongside and sour cream for topping either.

 

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Chili Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs and Fresh Tomato Salsa

Chili Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs and Fresh Tomato Salsa

2515824841_e5d51dbee82 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan

1/2 lb. bulk breakfast sausage, such as maple sausage

1 medium sweet potato, scrubbed clean, cut in 1/2 lengthwise, thinly sliced into 1/2 moons

1 large red onion thinly sliced, divided

2 tsp. chili powder, 2/3 palm full

1 tsp. ground cumin, 1/3 palm full

2 tsp. ground coriander, 2/3 palm full

Salt and pepper

3 yellow vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

2 to 3 T. chopped fresh cilantro, a palm full

1 lime, juiced

1/2 C. chopped flat-leaf parsley, a few handfuls

1 C. grated manchego or extra-sharp Cheddar

1 T. butter

4 large eggs

 

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat with 2 turns of the pan of olive oil, about 2 T.. Add the breakfast sausage and break it up with the back of a wooden spoon into little chunks, brown sausage for 3 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and 3/4 of the chopped red onion to the sausage, season with chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, stir frequently and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender. While the hash is cooking, in a small bowl combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, and the remaining chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice and a little salt and pepper. Once the hash is cooked, add the chopped parsley, stir to combine and transfer hash to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the cheese and cover with aluminum foil, the cheese will melt while you make the fried eggs. Wipe clean the skillet you made the hash in, return it to the cook top over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, crack each of the eggs into the skillet, season with a little salt and pepper and fry to desired doneness. Eggs may, of course, be scrambled as well. Transfer the fried eggs to the top of the hash, sprinkle with the fresh tomato salsa and serve.

 

 

 

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Wild Mushroom Quesadillas with Warm Black Bean Salsa

Wild Mushroom Quesadillas with Warm Black Bean Salsa

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, plus some for drizzling

16 crimini mushroom caps, baby portobellos, with stems, trimmed and thinly sliced

12 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced, stems discarded

Coarse black pepper and salt

1 T. (a few sprigs) fresh thyme leaves, chopped, or 1 tsp. dried

4 large flour tortillas, 12 inches in diameter

2 C. shredded sharp white cheddar

Salsa:

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

1 can black beans, drained

1 C. frozen corn kernels

1/2 C. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

1/2 C. smoky barbecue sauce

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

tm1c39_quesadillas_salsa_lg

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet. Season mushrooms with black pepper, salt and thyme. Sauté the mushrooms 10 minutes or, until dark and tender, then remove from heat. Transfer the mushrooms to a dish and return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Add another turn of extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet and add the onions, garlic and jalapeno pepper; saute for 2 or 3 minutes, then add beans and corn to the pan. Stir in chopped tomatoes and barbecue sauce, then season salsa with salt and pepper. Transfer warm salsa to a serving dish. Heat a griddle pan or large nonstick skillet over medium to medium high heat. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and 1 flour tortilla. Cook tortilla 1 minute, then turn it over. Sprinkle 1/2 C. sharp cheddar over 1/2 of the flour tortilla. Cover the cheese with 1/4 of the cooked sliced mushrooms. Fold the plain 1/2 of the tortilla over top of the filling and gently press down with a spatula. Cook the filled quesadilla 30 seconds to a minute longer on each side to lightly brown and crisp the quesadilla and melt the cheese. Remove the quesadilla to a large cutting board or transfer to a warm oven to hold, then repeat with remaining quesadilla ingredients. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with warm salsa for topping.

 

Yields:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

 

Breakfast Burrito Filling in a Jar

Breakfast Burrito Filling in a Jar

Breakfast Burrito Filling in a Jar

 

9 T. Scrambled Egg Mix (or OvaEasy Whole Egg Crystals)

1/4 C. Sour Cream powder

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

3/4 C. Freeze Dried Monterrey Jack cheese

2 T. dehydrated mixed bell peppers

2 T. dehydrated onions

2 T. dried cilantro (optional)

 

To prepare, add 1 ½ C. cold water to contents of jar and allow to rest 10 minutes to rehydrate. Heat pan, add egg mixture and gently scramble with folding technique, not stirring, for best resu. Place in warmed flour tortillas and roll up burrito style to enclose. If desired, you can line them up on a greased baking sheet, mist with olive oil and bake at 425 until tortillas are getting a little golden brown and crisp on the edges.

Taco Soup Mix in a Jar

Taco Soup Mix in a Jar

Taco Soup Mix in a Jar

 

1 ½ T. Taco Seasoning

1 tsp. Beef Bouillon Granules

¼ C. Sour Cream Powder

¼ C. Cheese Powder

¼ C. Tomato Powder

¼ C. dried chopped Onions

¼ C. dried Green Chiles

¼ C. dried Bell Pepper

¼ C. freeze dried Tomato Dices

½ C. freeze dried Ground Beef Crumbles

½ C. Instant Black or Pinto Beans

½ C. freeze dried Corn

 

Add all ingredients to a Wide Mouth Quart size Canning Jar in the order listed above. Cap Jar until ready for use. When ready to cook, empty jar contents into a pan, add 1 Quart of water for soup or 2 C. water for dip. Simmer 15 min. or until beans are soft. Fill bowls & serve. Consider toppings like rehydrated freeze dried cheddar cheese, olives, chips, Thrive Sour Cream dollups, canned Jalapenos, dried Green Onions & etc.

Salsa

Salsa

Salsa

 

3 C. freeze dried diced tomatoes

1⁄2 C. freeze dried green chili peppers

1⁄2 C. freeze dried sweet corn

1⁄4 C. freeze dried chopped onions

1⁄4 C. freeze dried red bell peppers

1⁄2 tsp. cumin

2 1⁄4 C. warm water

1 T. hot sauce (more if you like hot salsa)

1 1⁄4 T. lime juice

1⁄4 tsp. salt

1⁄4 C. dried cilantro (optional)

 

Mix all ingredients together and stir well for 30 seconds. Refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.

Corn Tortillas

Corn Tortillas

Corn Tortillas

 

1 lb. fresh Masa (made from stored masa harina as per directions)

Tortilla Press

Plastic Bag

The dough should not be dry, nor sticky.

 

Prepare the resealable bag, by cutting off the top sealed lines of the bag and cut open the 2 sides of the bag. Now you have like a plastic folder. Open the tortilla press and put a drop of oil, then lay down the plastic. This will prevent the plastic from moving while pressing the masa. Now, start by making 1 ½” round ball (you can use a small Ice cream scooper to help make them even size). Remember to keep your masa covered with a piece of plastic wrap or damp towel at all times to prevent from drying out. Work with one ball of masa at a time. Now, place the masa ball in the center of the opened plastic and flatten slightly with your fingers. Fold the plastic over the masa, and fold down the metal tortilla press. Hold the handle and press down gently until the dough has spread about 4” inch diameter. Rotate the plastic and slightly press if necessary. On medium-high heat, heat up a large cast iron pan, a griddle, a comal, or a teflon pan will work too. With your hand, hold the tortilla in the plastic, and carefully peel the plastic just like if you were peeling a sticker. Once one side is peeled, flip it into your writing hand and peel the rest of the plastic. As you peel allow the tortilla to rest halfway on your hand, and half hanging down. Gently lay down the tortilla on the warm skillet. Once you place it Do not try to reposition!, you just have one shot! Using a flat spatula, check around the edges until the edges start to release from the skillet. Once it releases easily, then it’s time to flip. You should not battle the flip if it does not release with ease, just give it a bit more time. Usually it takes 30-40 seconds per side, especially with these little tortillas. Once you flip you can press down a little on the edges. After you laid the tortilla on the pan, 2 flips is all it needs. The tortilla should be lightly colored and air pockets will form on the second flip. As soon as the air pockets are forming the tortillas are done. Transfer the tortilla into a tortilla warmer lined up with a clean cotton kitchen towel with a dry paper towel on the bottom to keep them moist. Keep them warm in a tortilla warmer until you finish with all the masa, working one ball at the time. Depending on size you can fit 2 or 3 on a 12″ skillet, and once you start getting a good tortilla rhythm it’s fun and the process goes fast and smooth.

 

* First tortilla is always a disaster, do not get discouraged, learn from it.

 

* Feel the masa; too wet will stick to the plastic and won’t release, too dry, it will crack, and won’t hold together.

* When cooking: Too hot griddle will char the tortillas without cooking them through, too low temperature, will dry out the tortillas before they are cooked, and they won’t be pliable and soft… This temperature issue is the same when you are making pancakes, the first pancake it’s always a bad one until you bring the pan to the right temperature,

*You will have more than 10 tortillas worth of masa. Go ahead and make extra. You can wrap almost anything in a taco. If you have the ability to fry, you can cut the extra tortillas into wedges and make fresh tortilla chips to serve with an easy pantry salsa for your next snack / meal.

Easy (not so authentic) Corn Tortilla

Easy (not so authentic) Corn Tortilla

Easy (not so authentic) Corn Tortilla

 

1 C. flour

1 C. corn meal

1 tsp. Whole Egg Powder

1 tsp. salt

3 tsp. oil

 

Add enough water to make a thin batter (between a crepe and a pancake). Cook on hot grill like a pancake.

Mexican Bean & Rice Salad

Mexican Bean & Rice Salad

Mexican Bean & Rice Salad

 

1/3 C. olive oil

¼ C. cider vinegar

1 tsp. chili powder

½ tsp. cumin

½ tsp. garlic salt

½ tsp. hot pepper sauce

3 C. brown rice, cooked

3 C. Pinto Beans, cooked

1 15 oz. can corn, drained

¼ C. rehydrated dried green pepper

1 – 4 oz. can diced green chilies, drained

 

Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl and whisk well. Add cooked rice, cooked beans, drained corn, rehydrated peppers and canned diced green chiles. Toss well in dressing. Serve immediately, or allow to rest an hour for flavors to mingle. Toss again right before serving.

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice

 

1/4 C. canola oil

1 T. onion powder

1 T. garlic powder

1 C. uncooked white rice

1 1/2 C. water (or broth)

 

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season oil with onion powder and garlic powder. Cook and stir rice in seasoned oil until rice is golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour water and tomato sauce over the rice; stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Gently toss with chicken.

Hippie Tacos

Hippie Tacos

Hippie Tacos

 

1 lb. ground Beef

2 C. cooked Whole Wheat Berries

2 pkg. Taco Seasoning (packaged or homemade)

15 10” tortillas (homemade from ingredients, or use shelf stable taco shells / tortillas)

Taco Toppings (lettuce, spinach, cheese, tomato, avocado, onion, cilantro, etc.)

 

Brown ground beef and drain fat. Stir in the cooked wheat berries, sprinkle with taco seasoning and add 1 ½ C. water to pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer a few minutes for water to cook off and seasonings to thicken. Spoon into tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppers.

Mexican Goulash

Mexican Goulash

Mexican Goulash

 

1 10-15 oz. can Beef

2 15 oz. can diced Tomatoes

1 6 oz. can Tomato Paste

1 2.5 oz. can sliced Black Olives

1 11 oz. can Mexican Style Corn

1 15 oz. can Green Beans

1 4 oz. can diced Green Chiles

1 C. dried Onion

½ C. dried Bell Pepper

1 T. Taco Seasoning

Salt & Pepper, to taste

Dash Hot Pepper Sauce, optional

1 15 oz. jar Mexican Queso Cheese Dip

 

Do not drain cans. Combine all ingredients except queso in a large pot. Simmer until vegetables are hot. Serve with a dollop of cheese on each serving.

Taco Rice Soup

Taco Rice Soup

Taco Rice Soup

 

1 10-15 oz. can Beef

1 15 oz. can Hominy

1 15 oz. can Kidney Beans

1 15 oz. can Corn

1 15 oz. can Mexican-Style Tomatoes

2 14 oz. can Beef Broth

1 4 oz. can diced Green Chiles

2 T. Tomato Powder

¼ C. dried Onion

2 T. Taco Seasoning, packaged or homemade

2 T. Ranch Dressing Mix, packaged or homemade

½ C. Rice

 

Do not drain cans. Combine all ingredients except rice, and stir well. Stir in rice. Simmer until rice is done. You can add an additional can of beef broth or a C. of water if you like a brothier soup.

Sweet Roast with Tortillas

Sweet Roast with Tortillas

Sweet Roast with Tortillas

 

1 1/3 C. water

2 C. Masa Harina De Maiz mix

2 (12-oz.) cans roast beef or I quart home-canned roast beef

1 C. salsa

1 C. brown sugar

 

In a medium bowl, combine water and tortilla mix. Knead dough about 5 minutes. Shape tortilla dough into 1 ½ inch balls. Press balls of tortilla dough between wax paper using a rolling pin or a tortilla press. Remove wax paper and cook each side of the tortilla 30 to 45 seconds on a hot griddle. Tortillas should be soft and pliable. Stack tortillas and cover with a slightly damp cloth to keep warm and soft.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine roast beef, brown sugar, and salsa. To serve, place 3 to 4 spoonfuls of meat mixture in a warm tortilla. If available, garnish with avocado, diced tomato, cilantro, olives and / or a dollop of Sour Cream.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

 

1 15 oz. can whole kernel corn

3 (14.5 oz.) cans or 30 oz. chicken broth

1 can chicken 1 15 oz. can black beans

1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chili peppers

½ C. rice

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dried cilantro

1 tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. chili powder

Toppings: Tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream (optional)

 

Open all cans and pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot add spices. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through. Serve over tortilla chips and top with shredded cheese and sour cream, if available and desired.

Enchilada Soup

Enchilada Soup

Enchilada Soup

 

1 (1.5-07.) enchilada sauce packet

1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce

4 C. water

1 chicken bouillon cube

1 (12-07.) can evaporated milk

1 (14.5-07.) can diced tomatoes

1 (15-07.) can black beans, drained

1 (13-07.) can chicken meat, drained or 1 pint home-canned chicken breast

 

In a large saucepan over medium heat, simmer all of the ingredients until hot. Serve with Tortilla or Corn Chips. If available, garnish with avocado, cilantro, olives and / or a dollop of Sour Cream

Mexican Chicken Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup

Mexican Chicken Soup

 

1 (13-oz.) can chicken meat, including broth or 1 pint home-canned chicken breast

2 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce

1 (14.5-oz.) can Mexican diced tomatoes in lime juice and cilantro

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, including juice

1 (4-oz.) can diced green chilies

1 (15-oz.) can corn, including juice

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. powdered coriander

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 T. granulated white sugar

 

In a large saucepan over medium heat, simmer all ingredients until thoroughly heated. Serve with Tortilla or Corn Chips. If available, garnish with avocado, cilantro, olives and / or a dollop of Sour Cream.