Farmers Market Salsa (To-MAY-to To-MAH-to Day 07/28/07)

From Mac Edwards, Owner
McEwen's on Monroe

4 Medium Tomatoes Cored and Quatered
1 Jalapeno Pepper, Stem Removed and Rough Chopped
1 Poblano or Anaheim Chili, Stem Removed and Rough Chopped
½ Medium Red Onion, Rough Chopped

Put in blender or food processor and pulse to desired consistency
Pour into a non-metallic bowl and fold in a quarter cup Chopped Cilantro
and a table spoon of Chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste

Corn and Cherry Tomato Relish

2 Ears Local Corn Cut From Cob, Uncooked
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes Cut in Half
½ Medium Red Onion Chopped Same Size as Corn Kernels
2 Mild Peppers, Seeded and Veins Removed, Likewise Chopped
Juice of 1 Lime
Hearty Drizzle of Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Handful of Chopped Cilantro and Flat Leaf Parsley
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Toss, Let Stand an Hour or So, Tossing Occasionally

Both of these recipes can be made hotter or less hot by adjusting either the amount or type of chilies (peppers) used

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Tamales - Cinco de Mayo

Tamales

masa dough:
6 cups masa
1 cup flour
1 tblsp baking powder
3 tblsp paprika
3 tblsp salt
1 tblsp cumin seeds
3 tblsp chili powder
3 tblsp garlic powder

mix all dry ingredients. Add one cup corn oil. Add warm chicken broth until dough is peanut butter consistancy.

filling choices:
slow roasted pork butt
sauteed mushrooms
ground beef
roasted chicken
any cheese (may be added to other fillings also)

assembling tamales:
spread tamaled mix evenly over corn husk leaving one inch on edges. note: husk needs to have soaked in warm water for two hours. spoon filling in a line down center of tamale. roll husk so that dough surrounds the filling, creating a cylinder. fold the bottom under on one end to close.

cooking:
pack tamales in large pot, folded side down open end up. Pour boiling chicken stock into pan filling 3/4 of pan, careful not to pour over the top of tamale or into tamale. cover with foil. simmer on very low heat for two hours or bake at 350 for two hours. frequently check stock level making sure tamales do not get dry. serve hot in husk. remove husk to eat. enjoy.