Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Red Sauce for Pork Tamales



15 large dried chilies (such as Anaheim, New Mexico, California, or pasilla) - * All are pretty mild except the pasillas
2 1/2 cups of water
4 -5 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons olive oil or 2 teaspoons melted shortening
 
 
Remove stems and seeds from dried chili peppers.
 Place peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
 Roast in 350°F oven for 2 to 5 minutes or until you smell a sweet roasted aroma, checking often to avoid burning.
 Remove from oven and soak in enough hot water to cover for about 30 minutes or until cool. 
 Put peppers and 2 1/2 cups of water into a blender (use fresh water, usage of the soaking water will result in a bitter sauce)
Add garlic, cumin and salt.
Cover and blend until smooth. 
Use a colinder to strain the mixture and throw away the chunks that do not mix in the blender
 In a 2-quart sauce pan, stir flour into oil or melted shortening over med heat until browned.
Carefully stir in blended chili mixture.
Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. (If sauce gets too thick, stir in up to 1 cup of water. 
Pour into cooked and shredded pork.

Note: When working with chilies, use rubber gloves to protect your skin, and avoid contact with your eyes. Wash hands throughly with soap and water to remove all of the chili oils.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Bacon Wrapped Jalepeno Poppers


Believe me when I say that these guys will be the first things gone at your holiday party.

Bacon Wrapped Jalepeno Poppers


1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz) room temperture
3/4 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper
10 jalapeno peppers
10 slices bacon


Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut jalapenos in half, length-wise and remove all of the seeds and membranes.. Whip cream cheese, garlic salt and pepper with a hand blender. Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese mixture.




Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each jalapeno with a slice of bacon. Secure bacon by sticking a toothpick through the middle of each jalapeno.


Bake on a pan with a rack in a 325 degree oven for atleast 40 minutes making sure bacon is fully cooked.


The taste best when served hot, but also taste good served at room temperature.