Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

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Roasted Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Verde)

Ahh, Cinco de Mayo – pretty much my favorite holiday next to Christmas. Where I can drink as many margaritas and eat as much guacamole as I want, and not be chastised for it. It’s funny actually, because a little over 5 years ago I wouldn’t have touched Mexican food with a 10 foot-pole. Can  you believe that? Thank goodness I came around, and things like tomatillos and cilantro are on my shopping list every week. In fact, I’ve started visiting my local Latin produce guy at the flea market every week – just because his produce is superior, and a much better bargain than at Mega Mart. I get all my Mexican staples there – dried beans, limes, corn husks for tamales, poblanos and jalapenos. Heh, it never ceases to amaze me where these roads in my kitchen are leading me everyday!

So, in case you were wondering – like I was 5 years ago – what in the Hell is a tomatillo? And, what do I do with it? I’m here to help! While they look similar to green tomatoes – they’re actually closely related to gooseberries. They have a papery husk on them that must be removed before cooking. They have a bright flavor, with a natural smokiness. When roasted, that flavor is amplified. And when combined with other flavors – like roasted garlic and jalapeno, it’s just out of this world.

I like to serve this salsa whenever I make carnitas, as I think the brightness plays off wonderfully against the richness of the pork. But, it’s good with all kinds of traditional Mexican dishes! And, a change of pace from the traditional red salsa that we all know and love. So step outside of your comfort zone, and try something new for this Cinco de Mayo!

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

6 medium tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and halved (about 8 ounces)
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 jalapeno
about 1/3 cup loosely packed, roughly chopped cilantro
1/2 small white onion, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup water
salt

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  lay the garlic, tomatillos, and jalapeno in a single layer, laying the tomatillos cut-side down.  Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatillos are well-browned.  Turn everything over and brown the other side (the tomatillos should be very soft).  Remove the tomatillos and garlic and add to a food processor or blender, and cook the jalapeno on all sides before removing to a cutting board.

When the jalapeno is cool enough to handle, peel the shriveled blackened skin, halve, and remove ribs and seeds.  Roughly chop and add to the food processor as well.

Add 1/4 cup of water, onions, and cilantro to the food processor, and blend to a coarse puree.  Pour into a dish and add more water if necessary, to give the salsa the proper consistency.  Add lime juice and salt (about 1/2 tsp) to taste.

Source: adapted from Mexican Everyday by Rick Bayless via Pink Parsley

Cherry Cheese Pie

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Cherry Cheese Pie

This pie has been a favorite of mine since my best friend Morgan introduced it to me a few years ago. It’s super easy – whipped cream, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling. Some chilling time in the fridge, and you’re set with a great dessert to take to a pool party or backyard barbecue.

I like to use a blind baked pie shell, because I feel they hold up the best. But, a graham cracker or Oreo crust are also excellent choices that work well with this pie. You can also feel free to switch around pie fillings – I’ve tried it with strawberry and blueberry as well. While I often reach for generic brands to save money, when it comes to pie filling – you get what you pay for. Lucky Leaf has been making quality pie fillings for over 60 years. You guys know I make things “from scratch” as often as I can, but I always keep a couple of cans of these fillings in my pantry – just because they’re such a great “go to” for desserts like this.

The good folks at are kicking off a fun Pinterest contest today, so make sure stop by and check it out. We could all use an extra $500 to burn a hole in our apron pockets, amiright?

Cherry Cheese Pie

1 blind-baked pie shell (recipe here)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling, chilled

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until light and fluffy – set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the whipping cream at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and increase speed to high. Beat until stiff peaks form, about 30 seconds more.

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until thoroughly combined. Pour into the cooled pie crust, and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Top pie with chilled pie filling and return to refrigerator to chill for 1 more hour before serving.

Orange Chicken

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Take Out Fake Out: Orange ChickenIt’s been a while since we shared a take out fake-out favorite here on the site – so I thought it was high time! I’ve made this orange chicken several times now over the past couple years, and we always really enjoy it. I hate deep-frying anything. Not that I don’t love fried foods, but it makes a mess, isn’t figure friendly, and the smell lingers in the air for hours. But, once in a blue moon it’s a nice treat that we all look forward to.

At first I was leery of the cornstarch batter. But, I’ll tell you – it’s totally the secret of the Chinese restaurants. Browns and crisps up beautifully, and it stays crispy. Even after spending some time in the oven while I fried the rest of the chicken, and saucing – it was still nice and crunchy.

And the sauce? Fresh orange juice and zest, a little tang from rice wine vinegar, and a spicy kick from cayenne makes for a perfect combination. I actually like to use whole dried small red peppers, but I couldn’t find any – so cayenne works in a pinch (heh, in a pinch – no pun intended). I’m looking forward to trying the sauce in other applications as well. I think it would be a fabulous basting sauce for chicken or pork on the grill – which we’ve been firing up a lot lately.

So let’s give your delivery guy a rest, and make this Chinese favorite in your own kitchen tonight!

Orange Chicken

For the marinade and sauce:
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tsp. finely grated orange zest
6 tbsp. rice wine vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. cold water
8 thin strips orange peel (optional)

For the coating and frying:
3 large egg whites
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 cups vegetable oil

To make the marinade and sauce, combine the chicken broth, orange juice, orange zest, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper in a large saucepan; whisk to blend well.  Measure out ¾ cup of the mixture and transfer it to a large zipper lock plastic bag.  Add the chicken pieces to the bag, pressing out the excess air and sealing well.  Refrigerate and let marinate 30-60 minutes, but no longer.  Place the saucepan with the remaining mixture on the stove and heat over medium-high heat.  Bring to a simmer.  In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.  Add the mixture to the saucepan with the sauce.  Continue simmering until the sauce is thick and translucent, about 1 minute.  Remove from the heat and stir in the strips of orange peel, if using.

To prepare the coating, place the egg whites in a pie plate and whisk until frothy.  In a second pie plate combine the cornstarch, baking soda and cayenne pepper; whisk to blend.  Drain the chicken of the marinade in a colander or large strainer; pat dry with paper towels.  Place half of the chicken pieces in the egg whites and turn to coat.  Transfer the pieces to the cornstarch mixture and coat thoroughly, shaking off the excess.  Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

To fry the chicken, heat the oil in 5-quart Dutch oven or straight-sided sauté pan until the oil reaches 350 F.  Carefully place half of the chicken pieces in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking.  Remove from the oil with a skimmer or slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.  Return the oil to 350 F and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

Reheat the sauce if necessary and toss with the cooked chicken pieces.  Serve over rice, if desired.

Source: adapted from America’s Test Kitchen via Annie’s Eats

The Grapefruit Crush

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Grapefruit CrushI’ve made mention of the Orange Crushes that are a favorite of our Delmarva beaches. But, have you ever heard of the grapefruit crush? It’s exactly like the orange crush. But, you guessed it! You’re using lots of fresh juice from grapefruits – in place of oranges, to get this lovely cocktail.

The good folks at Karlsson’s sent me a bottle of their Gold Vodka to try. Ya’ll know me – I’m not one to turn down a bottle of booze! The minute I opened the bottle and gave it a whiff, I was impressed. While most vodkas don’t smell or taste like much of anything – this had all kind of floral notes going on. That’s probably because it’s made by a single distillation and is unfiltered – a rarity among vodkas of today. What also sets them apart is that they only use baby new potatoes, of several Swedish varieties in the mash process. This leads to a vodka with plenty of great flavor – I mentioned the floral notes, but also fresh herbs, and grapefruit. Highly recommended!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! We’re looking forward to the Salisbury Festival here, a local event that’s held annually. I’ll be at Parker Place selling cupcakes, for any of you locals out and about! Stop by and say hello. Don’t forget to enter the Magimix Giveaway if you haven’t done so already. Winner will be chosen Monday morning!

The Grapefruit Crush

1 1/2 grapefruits, juiced
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz orange liqueur
splash of lemon-lime soda
ice

Pour all ingredients into cocktail mixer and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with grapefruit peel or slice.