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Foods from South of the Border

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells

 

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

2 teaspoons chili powder

3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed

1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided

3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided

20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain again. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cream cheese and 1/2 cup taco sauce until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Spoon about 2 tablespoons filling into each shell. Place in an 11×7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining taco sauce. Bake, covered, until heated through, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chips.

Shrimp Tostadas with Lime Crema  

Shrimp Tostadas with Lime Crema  

Shrimp Tostadas with Lime Crema

 

3/4 cup sour cream

1 medium lime, zested and juiced

1/2 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus 1 Tbsp. for shrimp

4 to 8 corn tortillas

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. cumin

Pinch cayenne

1 large avocado, cubed

Chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and black pepper to taste

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and salt. Set aside. Line a plate with paper towels. In a small frying pan, heat 2 Tbsp. of oil. When shimmering hot, fry the corn tortillas, one at a time, until crispy, golden, and puffed, about two minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, sprinkle the shrimp with paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan and sauté until the shrimp have coiled and turned from gray to pink, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. To serve, place a tortilla on a plate, slather with lime crema, top with shrimp and avocado, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with corn and bean salad and additional lime crema on the side. Dig in.

Huevos Al Plato Cast iron

Huevos Al Plato Cast iron

Huevos Al Plato Cast iron

 

½ C. Butternut squash (or your favorite)

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp. dried or fresh herbs (we use thyme or rosemary)

2 fresh farm eggs

¼ C. (1 ounce) Spanish chorizo, sliced (or substitute Portuguese or Italian sausage)

Pea tendrils, spinach, arugula to garnish (optional)

Crusty baguette

 

Heat oven to 350°. Peel squash and slice in half-moon-shaped pieces 1/4 inch thick. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, or until tender. Grease a 6-inch cast-iron skillet (or small roasting dish) with olive oil. Crack the eggs into the skillet and add the roasted squash. Scatter the chorizo and add a pinch of salt to the yolks. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the whites are fully cooked. Pay careful attention not to overcook the yolks. Remove pan from the oven and add fresh greens. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy. Serves 2 as an appetizer.

Taco Salad Dressing

Taco Salad Dressing

Taco Salad Dressing

 

½ Ripe Avocado

½ C. Buttermilk

2 T. chopped Fresh Cilantro

1 ½ T. Lime Juice

1 clove Garlic, minced

1 tsp. Salt

¼ tsp. Pepper

 

Process ingredients in blender until smooth, about 60 seconds.

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema

 

5 poblano peppers

1 T. butter

1 medium onion, sliced root to tip, ¼”

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste

3/4 cup Mexican crema (store bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese

 

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place poblano peppers on top. Set your oven rack directly underneath the broiler and turn the broiler on high. Broil poblanos in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and blistered. Carefully flip them over and broil for another 5 minutes, or until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides. Remove them from the oven, loosely cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep in some of the heat to help them steam and let them sit for 5 minutes. Pull and rub off as much of the loose skin on the peppers as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Transfer poblanos to a cutting board, discard the stems and seeds. Cut poblanos into strips and set aside. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Add roasted poblano pepper strips, Mexican crema, and salt. Stir together to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.  Add shredded cheese and stir together until the cheese completely melts. Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm tortillas or with tortilla chips.

 

If poblanos are too spicy for you, use anaheim peppers or bell peppers instead.

If poblanos are not spicy enough, add in some a sliced jalapeno or serrano pepper.

Make this dish a little more hearty with the addition of cooked shredded chicken. Add it in the skillet along with the sliced peppers.

Need a little more texture? Add in 1 cup of frozen corn kernels when cooking the onions.

Creamy Brazilian Beans

Creamy Brazilian Beans

Creamy Brazilian Beans

 

2 1/2 cups dry, uncooked pinto beans

8 cups water

1 large yellow onion, chopped small – divided

4 cloves garlic, crushed – divided

3 bay leaves

1 1/2 tsp. salt – or to taste

1 tsp. granulated onion

1/4 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. sweet paprika

1/4 tsp. dried parsley

1 pinch dried oregano

1 pinch dried savory

 

Spread beans out on clean counter top (or a clean dish towel) and sort through beans, removing small rocks or debris. Place beans in a large colander and rinse well. Transfer beans to Instant Pot. You can also use a stove-top pressure cooker. Be sure to read your pressure cooker manual before using.) Add water, half of the onion, half of the garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Lock the lid on and set the Instant Pot to “Manual”and “High Pressure” for 45 minutes. Be sure the valve on top is set to “Sealed”.  When cooking time is done, turn off the heat, and allow pressure to release on its own (natural/slow release method) before opening lid. Remove lid and turn Instant Pot back on. Add remaining onion and garlic and stir into beans along with the remaining seasonings. (If desired, onions and garlic can be sauteed before adding to beans.) Boil beans uncovered for an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Beans will become super soft and creamy. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce

Peruvian Green Sauce

 

2 jalapenos, trimmed, seeded, and cut into large chunks

1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or grated Parmesan)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 garlic cloves

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed

10 fresh mint leaves

1 T. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 to 2 T. white vinegar (start with 1, then taste)

1/4 tsp. table salt

 

Place the jalapenos, cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, cilantro, mint, lime juice, vinegar, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Store the sauce covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde

 

With its oily acidity, salsa verde has so much of the vinaigrette about it, yet is barely a sauce in reality, with the merest oiliness keeping it mobile. Parsley is the beating heart of a good salsa verde, around which to adapt to what you have and what it is accompanying – perhaps upping the mint for lamb, the fennel fronds for fish, basil for roasted vegetables etc. I often add a finely diced shallot; sometimes a few chopped cornichons.

 

Makes a medium jarful

 

big bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves only

small bunch of basil or mint, leaves only (or use a combination)

4 anchovies, rinsed if packed in salt and finely chopped

2 T. salted capers, rinsed and roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 T. red wine vinegar or lemon juice

¾ fl oz good-quality extra virgin olive oil, plus more to seal

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Chop the herbs, anchovies, capers and garlic with a large knife all together on a big board, then tip into a bowl. Stir in the mustard and vinegar, then mix in the oil until you achieve your desired consistency. Taste and add more vinegar/lemon if you like, plus salt and pepper to taste. Store in a jar with a thin layer of oil on the top in the fridge. Keeps for a day or two.

Grilled Corn, Mexican Street Style

Grilled Corn, Mexican Street Style

Grilled Corn, Mexican Street Style

 

6 ears shucked corn

Extra-virgin olive oil

8 T. crème fraîche (Mexican crema?)

8 T. grated cotija or queso blanco cheese

6 tsp. ground cayenne pepper, or to taste

Lime wedges

Cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper

 

To grill. shuck your corn and then brush it on all sides with olive oil. Place the corn on a heated grill with medium-high heat and let the corn grill on each side for about 2–4 minutes, 10–15 minutes total. Keep your eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Spread the crème fraîche on a plate or shallow bowl and roll each ear of corn in it, coating it on all sides. Really get it on there. Sprinkle the grated cheese on all sides of the coated corn. Do the same with the cayenne pepper. This adds kick and color! Squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn. Garnish with cilantro, salt and pepper to taste. Die and go to heaven eating this corn!

Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

 

One 10-ounce can white meat chicken, drained

¼ tsp. onion powder

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp. coriander

¼ tsp. chili powder

⅛ tsp. salt

6 taco shells or tortillas

Shredded lettuce

Shredded cheese

Mango salsa

Canned diced tomatoes (optional)

 

In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with the spices and salt. Heat in a microwave on high until it reaches the desired temperature (try 1 minute first). Warm the shells or tortillas per the package directions. Fill each shell or tortilla with several spoonfuls of seasoned chicken. Add some lettuce and cheese, then top with mango salsa. (If you want to use tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work well, but with the mango salsa you don’t really need them.)

Cinco de Mayo Green Chile Cheese Puffs

Cinco de Mayo Green Chile Cheese Puffs

Cinco de Mayo Green Chile Cheese Puffs

 

3/4 C. whole milk

5 T. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 C. all-purpose flour

Pinch cayenne pepper

3 large eggs

1/4 C. chopped green chilies

1 C. grated Monterey Jack or Jalapeno (Pepper) Jack cheese

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp. water – for the egg wash

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Combine the milk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Combine the salt, flour and cayenne in a small bowl. As soon as it boils, remove the milk from the heat and add the flour mixture. Place the pan back on the heat and cook for about 1 minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides. Dump the hot mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Immediately add the eggs, jack cheese and Parmesan and pulse until the eggs are incorporated and the dough is smooth and thick. Stir in the diced chilies. Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round tip. Pipe in mounds 1-inch wide and 1-inch high onto the baking sheets. With a wet finger, lightly press down the swirl at the top of each puff. (You can also use 2 spoons to scoop out the mixture and shape the puffs with damp fingers.) Brush the top of each puff lightly with the egg wash. Bake the puffs until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes about 2 Dozen Cheese Puffs

Peruvian Sauces

Peruvian Sauces

Ají Verde (Peruvian Green Chile Sauce)

 

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded, and chopped coarse

3 T. minced fresh cilantro

2 T. grated cotija cheese

2 T. lime juice

1 T. jarred huacatay paste

1 garlic clove, minced

 

Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. about 1 minute. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)

 

 

Ají Amarillo (Peruvian Yellow Chile Sauce)

 

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 T. aji amarillo paste

1 T. lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. jarred huacatay paste

 

Combine all ingredients in blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)

Homemade Taco Bowls

Homemade Taco Bowls

Homemade Taco Bowls

 

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

 

1 T. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

1 15 oz. can black beans drained and rinsed

1 15 oz. can whole corn drained

pico de gallo garnish

avocado garnish

cheddar cheese grated

cilantro garnish

brown rice approx. 1 1/2 cups per serving

 

Brown ground beef in a large skillet.  Mix together seasonings and sprinkle over meat.  Stir to incorporate.  Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add cooked rice to individual serving bowl.

Top with ground beef mixture.  Add toppings – pico, avocado, cheese, corn, black beans, and cilantro.

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Taco Bowls

 

1 lb ground beef

1 (1-oz) envelope taco seasoning mix

2 T. water

1 (12-oz) pkg frozen cauliflower rice

2 green onions, chopped

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

½ cup fresh salsa

1 cup diced or sliced avocado

 

Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 minutes or until no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Cook cauliflower rice according to package directions. Stir onions into cauliflower rice. Arrange lettuce in 4 bowls. Top with cauliflower mixture, beef mixture, cheese, salsa, and avocado.

Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)

Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)

Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)

 

4 medium eggs

360 ml (1 1/2 cup) milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

1 T. sugar

1 baguette

500 ml (2 cups) canola oil, for frying

 

2 T. sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

 

In a large baking dish combine milk, salt, cinnamon powder, and sugar. Beat with a whisk to combine. Cut the baguette into 2 cm (1-inch) slices. Soak the bread slices in the prepared egg mixture. Set aside for 2 minutes, then turn the bread and leave to soak for another 2 minutes per side. Pour oil into a deep skillet and place over medium heat. Cook until the oil reaches 170 °C / 340 °F then carefully add the bread in a single layer. Deep-fry in two alternations. Deep-fry for 3 minutes, then turn the french toast and continue to fry for another 3 minutes. Transfer the French toast to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. Repeat the process with the rest of the oil. Make the sugar coating. In a bowl combine sugar and cinnamon powder. Coat the warm French toast in cinnamon sugar and serve as soon as possible.

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

Fried Tortilla Strips with Lime

 

10 corn tortillas

1/2 C coconut oil (or avocado oil)

1/2 C coconut shortening*

Fine salt (not kosher salt)

2 T Lime juice (fresh-squeezed or bottled)

 

Prepare a bowl (or alternatively, a baking sheet) lined with paper towels. In a heavy pan such as a cast iron skillet, heat the 1/2 C coconut oil and 1/2 C coconut shortening (or as much as you need to make 1 inch of melted oil) over medium-high heat. The temperature should be about 350 – 370 degrees if using an instant read thermometer or an infra-red thermometer. While the oil is heating, cut the corn tortillas into 1/2-inch wide strips, cutting the longer ones in half as needed so you’re left with strips 3-4 inches long. Alternatively, you can cut into triangles to make your own tortilla chips! Fill a small spray bottle with 2 T of lime juice, and have some fine salt ready (not kosher salt). When the oil is heated, carefully place 8-10 corn tortilla strips into the oil and allow to crisp for about 10-15 seconds. Turn them over and repeat on the other side. Remove the strips with a pair of nylon-tipped tongs and drain on the paper towels. While still hot and a little oily, spritz with the lime juice and toss with a pinch of salt. Repeat the process until the corn tortilla strips are all fried.

Waffles Rancheros

Waffles Rancheros

Waffles Rancheros

 

1 tsp olive oil

¼ cup finely diced onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp finely chopped seeded jalapeno

1 cup flour

¾ cup masa harina

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp sugar

½ tsp salt

1¾ C. whole milk

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

 

1 tsp olive oil

½ cup minced onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14-oz) can black beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry

1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 canned chipotle pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp fresh lime juice

¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Fried eggs

Queso fresco cheese, crumbled

Avocado, diced or sliced

 

Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a medium sauté pan. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for several minutes until onion is translucent. Add the beans, drained tomatoes, chipotle pepper, cumin and lime juice. Warm on medium heat. Add the cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Heat 1 tsp. olive oil in a small sauté pan. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for several minutes until onion is translucent. Add the jalapeno. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, masa harina, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs and cooled melted butter. Add onion mixture to wet mixture. Fold wet mixture into the dry mixture. Heat the waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. Make waffles based on size of iron. Top each warm waffle with black beans, a fried egg, avocado and crumbled queso fresco cheese.

Fried Green Plantains with Avocado Black Bean Salsa

Fried Green Plantains with Avocado Black Bean Salsa

Fried Green Plantains with Avocado Black Bean Salsa

 

Juice of 1 lime or 1/2 lemon

1 large or 2 small garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

1 T. chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large avocado, diced

1 cup (about 175 grams) diced papaya, mango, or pineapple

1 cup (250 grams) cooked black beans, drained and rinsed

 

3 firm green plantains

Vegetable oil, for frying

Salt

 

Whisk the lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Put the avocado, papaya, and black beans in a larger bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with half of the dressing. Taste for seasoning and set aside. Cut off the ends of each plantain so that a small amount of the inner vegetable is exposed. From here, there are many ways to remove the skin. You might be able to peel it with your fingertips, first making a slit from top to the bottom and opening the plantain from the side. You might find it easier to remove the skin in neat sections if you make a few slits down the side. Or, if you have a tough one, you might just use a sharp knife to pare the peel away. If any green skin remains, scrape it off with your knife. Cut each plantain into six to eight 1-inch pieces. Heat 1 inch of oil in a medium-sized heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 325 degrees. If you don’t have the right kind of thermometer, I find plantains forgiving of inexact frying temperatures. As long as they’re not taking more than 5 minutes in the first frying, or not blackening before 2 minutes, you’re probably in a good-enough range.  Add about one plantain’s worth of pieces to the oil, and cook, turning as needed, until they are just a little bit darker in color and hollow sounding when lifted from the oil and tapped, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain them on a large paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining plantains in two batches. Using a heavy skillet or the underside of a can, press down on the still-hot fried plantain chunks until they make 2-to-3-inch flattish discs. Return these to the frying pan a handful at a time, and fry until lightly bronzed, about 1 minute more per side. Drain again, and immediately season with salt. Serve the warm plantains with the salad, with the extra dressing on the side to drizzle over the plantains.

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

Budín de Zanahoria (Mexican Carrot Custard)

With its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors plus a wonderfully creamy texture that kids love, it’s a great comfort food for any season. The concept works with many different vegetables, so you might want to make budín de camote (sweet potato), budín de maíz (fresh corn), or budín de calabaza (squash or pumpkin), depending on what you have handy.

2 pounds fresh carrots

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup finely chopped piloncillo (This is a Mexican raw sugar, but you can substitute brown sugar, Sucanat, rapadura, granulated palm sugar, or maple syrup)

3 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream (plus extra for garnish)

3/4 cup rice flour (can substitute white flour)

1 teaspoon fine salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated

1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

 

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Cut carrots into big chunks and steam until completely tender, almost falling apart. Transfer into another pot or bowl and mash with a potato masher, fork, or whisk. Combine melted butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat until sugar is dissolved or incorporated (I recommend using an electric hand mixer if you have one. You could also use a food processor or a whisk). Add the eggs and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Mix in the sour cream. Add in the steamed mashed carrots and beat until completely incorporated. Mix or sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then add to the carrot mixture. Beat for another minute or two until everything is completely incorporated. Stir in the cheese and the nutmeg. Pour custard into a buttered baking dish, then bake until set, about 45 minutes. Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Easy Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Easy Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Easy Beef & Bean Enchiladas

 

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

10 corn or flour tortillas

1 8-ounce package sour cream

cilantro optional

1 cup canned black beans rinses and drained

2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack or Cheddar cheese

1 homemade enchilada sauce recipe

 

Brown ground beef over medium-low heat. Drain meat to remove any excess drippings. Add ¼ cup of enchilada sauce into brown meat and stir until well-combined. For the Enchilada Assembly: Preheat oven to 350º F. Pour ½ cup enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 oven-safe, casserole dish. Drizzle oil into the bottom of a skillet over a medium-low heat. Add tortillas, one at a time, and cook for about 1 minute each. Do not allow to become crispy. Drain tortilla and then layer on beef, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and beans. Roll tortilla to keep all ingredients inside. Then place seam side down in the casserole dish. Once all enchiladas have been assembled and placed into casserole dish, pour remaining enchilada sauce over to make sure well covered. Top with remaining cheese. Place in oven and bake 15 minutes, or until cheese has fully melted. Remove from oven and top with additional cilantro, if desired.

Pineapple Chili Margarita

Pineapple Chili Margarita

Pineapple Chili Margarita

 

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila

3/4 ounce premium triple sec

2 ounces pineapple juice

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1 dash hot sauce

Coarse salt and/or Tajin Seasoning, for optional rim

Pineapple wedge, for garnish

Lime wheel, for garnish

 

In a cocktail shaker, pour the tequila, triple sec, lime and pineapple juices, and hot sauce. Fill with ice.  Prepare the rim of the glass by rubbing a slice of lime along it, and dipping glass in coarse salt and/or Tajin Seasoning for extra spice, if desired.  Strain cocktail into the ice-filled glass.  Garnish with a pineapple wedge and lime wheel.

Cilantro Rice

Cilantro Rice

Cilantro Rice

 

White long grain rice

1/2 cup olive oil

1 T. salt

2 tsp. sugar

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

¼ cup fresh chopped parsley

2 T. fresh squeezed lime juice

 

Cook rice and mix in oil. Add remaining ingredients just before serving so cilantro does not wilt.

Brazilian Style Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Chimichurri

Brazilian Style Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Chimichurri

Brazilian Style Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Chimichurri

 

1 boneless lamb leg, butterflied

 

1 medium sized onion, quartered

4 cloves garlic, peeled

1 bunch scallions, both white and green parts, trimmed

1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves

1 tsp. dried oregano

3 bay leaves

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 C white wine, dry

½ C olive oil

 

¾ C olive oil

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

½ C parsley

2 cloves garlic

1 bunch scallions, both white and green parts, trimmed

1 T. dried chili

salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

fresh green chili

 

Place all marinade ingredients into a blender and process until slightly coarse. Turn lamb so the bottom faces you. Take netting off leg and cut through halfway down and lay the leg flat. Place leg into a large tray and pour marinade over, rubbing into the meat. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove lamb from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. For the chimichurri, place all ingredients in a food processor and blend together; do not mix too much. Let stand for 1 hour. While chimichurri is resting, preheat outdoor grill to medium high. Cook lamb for 30 minutes, turning once. Lamb should be cooked medium. Rest lamb for 20 minutes. Serve with a fresh green chili, if desired.

Instant Pot Brazilian White Rice

Instant Pot Brazilian White Rice

Instant Pot Brazilian White Rice

 

2 T. olive oil

½ cup chopped onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chopped carrots, peeled if necessary

2 cups rinsed long-grain white rice

3 ¾ cups stock (your choice)

 

Instant Pot using Sauté mode. Add olive oil. Add onion, minced garlic, and carrots. Sauté until fragrant (about 3 minutes).  Add rinsed rice and sauté with onion mixture until the rice becomes translucent white.. Add stock of your choice and secure Instant Pot lid. Choose Rice setting and press start. If Instant Pot doesn’t have a Rice setting, pressure cook on low for 12 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally. Remove

Flank Steak Tacos with Roasted Corn and Avocado Salsa

Flank Steak Tacos with Roasted Corn and Avocado Salsa

Flank Steak Tacos with Roasted Corn and Avocado Salsa

 

1 lb. Flank or Skirt Steak

1 T. Cumin

1/2 T. Chili Powder

1/2 T. Chipotle Powder

1/2 T. Ancho Powder

1 tsp. Oregano

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flake

1 T. Avocado or Grapeseed oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

 

1 Avocado diced

1 Cup Roasted Corn frozen or fresh

1 Serrano Pepper finely diced

2 Garlic Cloves finely diced

1/2 Red Onion finely diced

1 Lime zested and juiced

1 T. Cilantro chopped

Salt & Pepper to taste

 

Orange Zest

Flour Tortilla

Queso Blanco

 

Dry the steak with paper towel. Coat in the spice mix. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the steak on each side for about 4-5 minutes. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes. To defrost frozen corn, microwave with a little bit of water for about a minute. Strain off excess water after. Combine all of the salsa ingredients. Heat the tortillas over an open gas range flame for about 30 seconds-1 minute per side. Add the meat and salsa. Top with cheese, orange zest, and torn cilantro.

Cachapas – Fresh Corncakes with Cheese

Cachapas – Fresh Corncakes with Cheese

Cachapas – Fresh Corncakes with Cheese

 

3 C. corn kernels (from fresh ears or thawed frozen)

1/4 C. masa harina (available on the international aisle of most grocers)

salt & pepper

1/2 C. shredded queso mano or mozzarella

vegetable oil, for frying

 

Grind the corn kernels to a smooth pulp, along with the salt and pepper. Add in the masa harina. Note: You can use a food processor or a blender for this step. If you use a blender, you’ll need a tamper or long spoon to push the corn into the blade (not while the blender is running, of course!). Once the mixture is smooth, preheat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. Add on some oil, then spoon the batter onto the pan. With the back of your spoon, press the batter into a rough circle. Cook the cachapas for 3-5 minutes. Flip and cook for 3-5 more minutes, pressing the mixture flat if desired. Sprinkle with mozarella and let melt. If necessary, keep warm in the oven until all cachapas are cooked. Fold in half and enjoy!

Traditional Chimichurri

Traditional Chimichurri

1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

4 large garlic cloves, minced (2 1/2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons oregano leaves

2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (or a small red chili, finely chopped)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

 

In a food processor, combine the parsley, vinegar, garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper. Process until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and pour the olive oil over the mixture. Let stand for at least 20 minutes.

Quinoa Atamalada

Quinoa Atamalada

Quinoa Atamalada

 

1 T. oil

½ onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped

2 tsp. aji amarillo paste

1 cup quinoa

Salt and pepper

¼ cup evaporated milk

½ cup queso freso in cubes (or any white, fresh cheese)

2 T. parsley, chopped

 

Heat the oil in a saucepan, and saute the onion, garlic, and aji amarillo paste for a 3-5 minutes over medium heat. Stir constantly. Add the quinoa, stir well, and cover with water (about 4 times the amount of quinoa). Bring to a boil, and simmer for half an hour. If it dries out, add more water. It should have the consistency of a thick soup. Add salt and pepper. When ready, add the milk, cheese cubes and parsley.

Wild Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Cream

Wild Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Cream

Wild Mushroom Tacos with Avocado Cream

4 tbsp oil

Mushrooms 32oz (I used baby bella, shitake, and hen of the woods) sliced into bite sized pieces

1 small yellow onion (diced)

3 cloves garlic

1/2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

3 tbsp cilantro (chopped) for garnish

1/2 lime for garnish

 

Avocado Crema:

1 avocado

1 lime (juiced)

1/4 can coconut milk (full fat)

Pinch of salt

1 tsp ground pepper

 

Heat olive oil in pan at Medium. Add in onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then add mushrooms, stir for 1 minute, then add garlic, and stir. Let mixture brown for a few minutes and add smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper and stir until mushrooms are well coated. Cover and set aside. In a blender place avocado, lime juice, coconut milk, salt and pepper and blend until smooth. Serve mushrooms in a tortilla, hard shell taco, or even a lettuce wrap and top with cilantro, crema sauce, lime and whatever toppings you like!

Mojo Verde (Canarian Green Mojo Sauce)

Mojo Verde (Canarian Green Mojo Sauce)

 

1 large bunch cilantro, leaves and tender stems only

4 large cloves garlic, peeled

2 limes, juiced

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 jalapeno, stemmed

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

Kosher salt, to taste

 

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, jalapeno, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Process until well-combined. Season generously with kosher salt and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Hatch Green Chile Chili

Hatch Green Chile Chili

Hatch Green Chili

 

1 pound Hatch chile peppers, halved and seeded

1 (3 pound) boneless pork roast, cubed

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 T. salt, divided

3 T. coarsely ground black pepper, divided

¼ cup vegetable oil

2 cups chicken stock

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers

1 large sweet onion, chopped

2 T. ground cumin

3 cloves garlic

 

Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place peppers with cut sides down onto the prepared baking sheet. Cook under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, 5 to 8 minutes. Place blackened peppers into a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow peppers to steam as they cool, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard skins; chop peppers into smaller pieces. Place cubed pork in a resealable plastic bag; coat with flour, 2 T. salt, and 2 T. pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook pork in the hot oil until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker set to High. Add the Hatch chiles, remaining salt and pepper, chicken stock, diced tomatoes with peppers, onion, cumin, and garlic to the slow cooker. Mix and cover. Cook on High until pork is tender and flavors blend, about 4 hours, or low for 6.  Chili can be thickened with flour or masa.

Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

Air Fryer Steak Fajitas

 

1 lb steak (skirt, flank, ribeye)

1/2 green pepper sliced

1/2 red pepper sliced

1/2 onion sliced

3 tbsp fajita seasoning

8 tortillas

shredded cheese

salsa

sour cream

1-2 avocados sliced

 

Let the meat come to room temperature. Slice meat against the bias into bite size thin strips. Heavily sprinkle steak strips & veggies with fajita seasoning – toss to coat. Place steak & veggies in air fryer basket and spritz with olive oil. Air Fry at 375 for 6 minutes. Open the air-fryer basket and using tongs – toss steak & veggies – sprinkle with a little more seasoning. Air Fry for an additional 6 minutes. You can temp check your steak with a meat thermometer – the best steak is medium rare when the meat reaches 135-140 degrees. Serve those air fryer fajitas with warm corn or flour tortillas and all the fixins!

Pima-Papago Cactus and Eggs

Pima-Papago Cactus and Eggs

Pima-Papago Cactus and Eggs

 

2 to 3 5- to 7-inch fresh nopales (prickly pear cactus pads) with thorns removed or 1 7 1/4-ounce can natural cactus in salt water, drained

Salt

4 strips bacon, diced

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 to 1 tsp. ground New Mexican red chili or chili powder

4 to 6 eggs

Ground pepper (optional)

 

Rinse fresh nopales well under cold running water and examine carefully to make sure all tiny thorns have been removed.  Trim around the edges with scissors to remove the base of thorns.  Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove a thin layer of peel.  Rinse again, cut into thin strips, and simmer in lightly salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until tender.  Rinse and drain.  If using canned nopales, rinse and drain. Cook bacon until crisp in a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. Add onion and chili to the drippings in skillet.  Sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.  Stir in reserved cactus strips and bacon.  Sauté briefly.  Break desired number of eggs on top of cactus mixture.  Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until whites are set and yolks are cooked to taste.  Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, if desired.

Tacos Dorados (Fried Tacos)

Tacos Dorados (Fried Tacos)

Tacos Dorados (Fried Tacos)

2 chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken

1/2 C. sour cream

16 small corn tortillas

1 sliced avocado

1 1/2 C. shredded pepper jack cheese

2 T. olive oil

1 small package toothpicks

Toppings

1 C. refried beans

1/2 C. salsa

3/4 C. shredded lettuce

 

Cook chicken breasts (Grill or boil), until cooked through and tender. Or use a rotisserie chicken.

Shred chicken carefully. Heat tortillas in the microwave until they are easy to fold without breaking. Cover with a hand towel. Fill the tortillas with a little bit of chicken and cheese, and toll it up. Pin it with a toothpick. Heat olive oil in the bottom of a large pan, over medium heat. Place tacos into pan, and fry them 4 or 5 at a time

Sheet-Pan Carne Asada

Sheet-Pan Carne Asada

Sheet-Pan Carne Asada

¼ C. vegetable oil

1 ½ tsp. ground cumin

1 ½ tsp. ground coriander

¾ tsp. salt

2 ears fresh sweet corn, cut in thirds, or 6 pieces frozen corn on the cob, thawed (from 12-ct package)

1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin strips

1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut in thin strips

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix

¼ tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)

1 1/3 lb. beef flank steak

 

Tortillas and Toppings, as desired: flour tortillas, crumbled queso fresco, sliced radishes, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream

 

Position oven rack 4 inches from broiler element. Spray 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix 2 T. of the vegetable oil, the cumin, coriander and salt. Add corn, bell peppers and onion to bowl, and toss to coat; transfer to pan. In same large bowl, mix remaining 2 T. oil, the taco seasoning mix and ground red pepper. Add steak; rub mixture in to steak. Transfer to pan with vegetables. Broil 8 to 10 minutes, turning steak and stirring vegetables once, until instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of steak reads 135°F (for medium). Transfer steak to cutting board; cover with foil and let steak rest 5 minutes. Stir vegetables in pan; return to oven, and broil 4 to 6 minutes longer or until vegetables are blackened in spots. Thinly slice steak on the bias, against the grain. Serve with vegetables in tortillas with toppings.  Note: If your oven’s broiler only covers the center of your oven, start steak in the center of the pan, then thoroughly stir vegetables and position them in center while steak rests to ensure all elements get plenty of time directly under the flames. If desired, cut corn from cobs for serving.

Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)

Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)

Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)

1 whole lime, juiced

2 T. olive oil

1/2 C. good-quality mayonnaise, (such as Hellmann’s)

3 ounces queso fresco or blanco

2 serrano peppers, ends trimmed

1 bunch cilantro (remove leaves from stems for blenders other than vitamix)

4 garlic cloves, peeled

2 green onions, ends trimmed and roughly chopped

2 tsp. huacatay paste, (optional)

1 T. aji amarillo paste, (optional)

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

 

To a blender, add the lime juice, olive oil, cheese, mayonnaise, serrano peppers, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, green onions, huacatay paste, aji amarillo and salt. Blend for about 1 to 2 minutes, until very smooth. At first the cilantro leaves won’t be totally smooth, but keep the blender running and it will eventually become cohesive and smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the salt according to your liking. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week.

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon Agua Fresca

 

1 3 pound seedless watermelon, cubed (about 5 C.)

4 C. 1 quart coconut water

2 T. freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 medium lime)

 

Puree the watermelon in a blender. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a pitcher and carefully pour the pureed watermelon through the sieve. Discard pulp. Stir in coconut water and lime juice. Chill, covered, until cold – at least an hour. Serve over ice.

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole

 

Nonstick cooking spray

1 32 ounce package frozen fried potato nuggets

12 eggs

1 cup milk

1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 8 ounce package shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 16 ounce jar thick and chunky salsa

1 8 ounce carton dairy sour cream

Snipped fresh cilantro

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange potato nuggets in dish. In a large mixing bowl combine eggs, milk, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Beat with a rotary beater or wire whisk until combined. Pour egg mixture over potato nuggets. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Sprinkle cheese evenly over egg mixture. Bake about 3 minutes more or until cheese melts. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Makes 12 servings.

Valladolid Tomato Salad

Valladolid Tomato Salad

Valladolid Tomato Salad

 

1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, toasted in a dry skillet until lightly browned

1/2 cup basil leaves

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1.4 teaspoon honey

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/3 cup olive oil

 

6 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 6 wedges each

2 cups sunflower sprouts (use 2 cups sunflower seeds for sprouting)

1/2 cup Pickled Red Onions

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup crumbled queso cotija (or queso fresco, feta, or ricotta salata)

 

Make the dressing: Combine the sunflower seeds, basil, lime juice, honey, salt, and olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth.  Put the tomatoes in a mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of the sunflower sprouts, the pickled red onions, dressing, and salt, and toss to combine. Arrange on a serving dish and garnish with the cotija and remaining 1/2 cup sunflower sprouts.