The Good Plate

Posts Tagged ‘cumin’

Recipes in this Post

Meat grilled and ready for chopping

• Chimichurri Marinade
• Chimichurri Flap Steak Tacos

The word Chimichurri reminds me so much of Chim-Chim Cher-ee that I can’t help but get the song stuck in my head. I would change the words a bit though, “Good luck will rub off when I barbecue you, or blow me a kiss (smoke), and that’s lucky, too.” Chimichurri is a sauce for grilled meats that originated in Argentina. It is made from finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, and white or red vinegar. It also makes a fine marinade for flap steak on the grill. Here’s the real words:

Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cher-oo!
Good luck will rub off when

I shake ‘ands with you
Or blow me a kiss
And that’s lucky too

Chim-Chim Cher-ee from “Mary Poppins”, composed by Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman

The best meat for this is flap steak, because it is thin, meaty and marinades beautifully. It should be cooked on the grill on high heat, directly over the coals. Let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it up. Flap steak is available in most supermarkets.

Usually, I heat tortillas on the stove top, and I thought to myself, why not just put them on the grill? You know what, they were nice and soft, and fantastic!

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Recipes in this Post

Barbecued Mexican Shrimp Stuffed Red Snapper Packets, with avocado, Roasted Peppers, tortillas and cilantro

• Barbecued Stuffed Red Snapper Packets
• Roasted Pepper Medley

Well, our Weber is going South of the Border tonight, and I’m making Barbecued Mexican Shrimp Stuffed Red Snapper Packets with Roasted Red Peppers, Avocado and tortillas.

I’ve really been into grilling for the past few days, Barbecued Asian Pork Chops, Barbecued Fillet Mignon with Blue Cheese Crumbles, and last night I barbecued a chicken. Tonight is Friday, so no meat. But I did have some red snapper in the freezer, and some cooked shrimp as well. I thought I could stuff the snapper with the shrimp, and as I was chopping it up, it occurred to me if I added spices and cabbage, it could become South of the Border.

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Chili with fixin's

• How to Char Chilies
• Easy Meaty Chili

Sometimes, on a cold day that looks like it might rain, you have to have chili. Usually, I make a big pot of it, and it cooks a long time to let the beans get nice and soft. Sometimes, you just don’t have that kind of time, but you don’t want something that came out of a can.

I don’t buy the Chili mix in the bag. I make my own, and you should, too. It’s very simple, and better because you can control the heat and you know what’s in it. Basically, it’s a mixture of chilies, cumin and a little salt.

If you live in California, you probably have access to fresh Anaheim chilies, if you live in New Mexico, you have the New Mexico chili which is a bit hotter than the Anaheim. Both chilies have thick skin, so they should be charred before use. When making my chili, I charred two nice big red bells peppers as well.

How to Char Chilies

Charring chilies is very simple. You need four things, the chilies themselves, a gas stove top, long tongs and a plastic bag (the one the chilies came in is fine). Put the gas flame up as high as it will go, and just lay the chili on the burner. Use the tongs to turn the chilies as they char. When most of the skin has been charred, put the chili in the plastic bag, close it, and let the chili steam in the bag. When the chili is cool enough to handle, remove the charred skin under running water. Not only is this a great way to skin a chili pepper, it also give the chili a nice roasted flavor. Of course, if you want really smoky flavor, do it on the Weber!

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Mexican Feast

Recipes in this Post

• Mexican Coleslaw
• Black Bean Dip
• White Sauce for Taquitos

This afternoon when I was at the local store, I had a taste for Mexican food. I already had frozen taquitos in my freezer (I’m too lazy to make them myself), so all I needed was avocado. Well, surprise, surprise my little store didn’t have any, so I decided to make the white sauce similar to the fish taco white sauce at Rubio’s.

I also had some cabbage in the refrigerator. I love cabbage and it’s very good with Mexican food. I picked up a can of black beans so I could make the same black bean dip I used for my Black Bean Tacos.

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I received a Blue Ribbon for Roast Pork with Balsamic Mustard Rub!

Spane and I with the Blue Ribbon for Pork Roast with Balsamic Mustard Rub

Well, what to you know about that! Spane got the mail today, and he said I had mail, and handed me a padded package. I didn’t think it was for me, I hadn’t ordered anything.

So, I tore the envelope open, and inside was a Blue Ribbon and a certificate from Just A Pinch, where I had submitted my recipe for Pork Roast with Balsamic Mustard Rub. I was stunned, to say the least, and then I visited their site, and this is what their Test Kitchen had to say:

The seasoning in this recipe is a perfect blend. Spicy and flavorful, hearty and super satisfying… Enjoy!
Just A Pinch!

Well, thank you so much Just a Pinch, specifically Janet Tharp, the head tester, chief cook and bottle washer!

I have to highly recommend this site as not only are they hosting one of my recipes, there are literally hundreds of fabulous recipes available. This is place I bookmarked and visit often.

I have also joined a few discussion groups at Just a Pinch, and would like to visit other food bloggers who are members of Just a Pinch. I would like to share their recipes here as well, with permission, of course.

Good cooking to all!

Spane on November 15, 2010 at the camera store

Recipes in this post

• Birthday Grapefruit Cake
• Spinach Balls
• Ham Rolls
• Big Five Pepper Chili for the Nesco
• Sweet Corn Muffins

Spane’s birthday is tomorrow, November 21, 2010.  He is going to be 7 years old!  So, like every birthday there is the preparation for the party.  This year will be the first one where he gave out invitations. 

Originally, we were going to have the party at Carr Park, but since it is supposed to rain, Amber volunteered to host the party at her house.  That meant sending out notices to everyone to let them know about the change of venue.  I hope everyone will make it.

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