Thinking and Actiing Locally: Venison with Cactus in Guajillo Chile Sauce.
I've been thinking a lot about the way I cook. I get frustrated when I don't have access to avocado leaves to make Oaxacan black beans or Tarbais beans for...
The Rancho Gordo Blog
In the kitchen
Cucumber Water
A lot of my gardening friends find themselves overwhelmed with summer squash but I manage to eat all the zucchini and calabacitas that come my way. For me, the bounty...
Chilaca Chiles
I've always loved chilaca chiles and I grab them whenever I find them fresh. They're long and skinny and rather thin skinned but you still want to roast and peel...
Basic Chile Sauce from Chile Powder
As requested and promised, here's my way with chile sauce. I'm not going to say it's authentic, except to me! Please not that here I'm using 100% chile powder. There...
Chia Seeds
Beyond the Chia Pet, chia seeds have a place in your home. Apparently, the gelatinous drink made from soaking the seeds in water for about 30 minutes, contains Omega 3...
Pineapple Vinegar, Part 2
I can only say that I think everyone should try this. I think you'll get a kick out of it and the liquid it produces is very handy! I had...
Pineapple Vinegar
A lot of Mexican recipes call for a light, fruity vinegar and commercially here in the states, about our only option is rice vinegar. It works in a pinch but...
Tacos with Shrimp and Nopalitos
The next time y0u have a grill handy, try grilling some cactus paddles and shrimp. They make a great taco filling. Just give them a quick bath in some garlic...
Poblano Chile Sauce
The more I eat Poblano chiles, the more I love them. The roasting and peeling part is a bit of a hassle but once you do it a few times,...
Cooking With Clay, Part 5
Have you noticed how many people that have spent thousands to redo their kitchens with Viking ranges, full sets of All-Clad cookware and state of the art refrigerators never cook?...
Corn and Fennel Soup Experiment
Last Spring, in the lovely town of Patzcuaro, in the state of Michoacan in Mexico, I had some great street food. Street food in Mexico is often a taco or...
Almost Pantry Ceviche
I tend to fall back on this appetizer whenever there's a summer get-together. It takes a lot of chopping but it's easy and forgiving. Drain a can of clams, reserving...