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Archive for the ‘Latin’ Category

Killer Chili Rojo (Red Pork) Tamales

Posted by Caveman Cooking on December 4, 2015

Killer Chili Rojo (Red Pork) Tamales
I gave you my Killer Queso (Cheese) Tamale recipe a few months back. Though, I probably should have posted it’s carnivore counterpart sooner, I felt, with Christmas right around the corner, now would be a perfect time to share it. While this remains a labor intensive recipe, it really is a very easy dish to pull off. Besides, if you gather your masses together for an assembly line when it comes time to actually fill and roll the tamales, it goes by very quickly. When you finally unwrap one and take a bite, you’ll forget about all the steps involved!

INGREDIENTS

Chili Rojo (Meat Filling):
1 Preparation of Chili Rojo Rub
2.5 Pounds Pork Butt (Shoulder) Roast
1/2 Red Onion
5 Cloves Garlic – Smashed
1 Teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt
1 1/2 Cups Red Chili Sauce
1 1/2 Cup Chili Rojo Stock – Reserved

Masa (Dough):
5 Cups Tamal (Instant Masa Mix)
4 1/2 Cups Vegetable Stock
1/2 Cup Chili Rojo Stock – Reserved
2 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1.5 Teaspoon Salt
2 1/8 Cups Vegetable Shortening
1 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1 Package Hoja (Dried Corn Husks)

RECIPE

Follow the instructions for one preparation of Chili Rojo Rub.
Chili Rojo Rub

Cover pork butt roast liberally with the rub. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, place on a plate, and refrigerate overnight.
Pork Butt Roast Covered With Chili Rojo Rub

The next day, remove the roast from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before you are ready to start cooking. Slice onion into quarters. Peel and smash garlic cloves.
Quartered Onion & Smashed Garlic

Place pork roast into a stock pot. Cover with water by 2-3 inches. Add onion, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2.5 – 3 hours, until fall-apart tender.
Pork Roast In Stock Pot

When done, remove the pork roast from the stock pot and place onto a large platter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then shred meat with two forks or, if you have them, meat claws. Be sure to separate the meat from the fat, and discard the latter.
Shredded Chili Rojo

Reserve 2 cups of the meat stock (1 1/2 for the meat, 1/2 for the masa) and set aside.
Reserving Meat Stock

Place the shredded meat into a large sauce pot, add Red Chili Sauce and reserved meat stock, and heat uncovered over a low flame for 20 minutes. Stir often.
NOTE: You’ll likely have some left over meat filling. Don’t sweat it, it makes for a great version of Carnitas!
Saucing & Reheating Meat Filling

Cover the Hoja (corn husks) with cool water for at least 40 minutes. When thoroughly soaked, squeeze excess water out then place into a colander to allow rest of excess water to drip out. Do not let the husks dry completely – they must be moist and pliable when wrapping the tamales.
HINT: Place a heavy plate on top of the husks so that they stay completely submerged.
Soaking The Hoja (Corn Husks)

While the meat filling is simmering and the Hojas soaking, make your Masa (dough). Place shortening into mixer and whip it until silky (3-4 minutes). Yes, Devo fans. I said, whip it. Whip it good!
Whipped Shortening

Meanwhile, place all the dry ingredients (Tamal, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper) into a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
Dry Ingredients

Add vegetable stock and meat stock to dry ingredients. Using your hands, mix well until evenly distributed.
Dry Ingredients With Vegetable Stock

Add ingredients from mixing bowl to whipped shortening. Again, whip it until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes). And yes, again, whip it good!
Whipped Masa (Dough)

Now’s the time to gather the clan and press them into service. Pop open a cold one, put on some good tunes, and make a party of it!
Place one of the large Hoja (husks) on a flat surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the masa (dough) onto it. Now, this is where some tamale veterans may cringe, but I have found that this next step makes things go much faster and smoother. Take a small piece of plastic wrap and place it over the masa. With your hand, smooth and spread the masa out evenly, leaving several inches from the bottom of the husk, a couple inches from the top and far edge, and less than an inch from the near edge. The masa layer should be about 1/4″ thick. Remove the plastic wrap and set aside to use again. Then, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the Chili Rojo (meat filling) into the center of the masa.
HINT: If your Hoja are on the smaller side, just overlap two of them by a few inches to make one big leaf. Use a rubber spatula to spread a little masa on the near edge of the bottom husk to act as “glue”.
Making Tamales: Steps 1, 2, and 3

This is where a history of being a Hippie or Rastafarian, comes in handy. Take the near side of the Hoja and fold it over the the far edge. With your fingertips, lightly press the edges of the masa down to seal in the meat. Then, while holding down the far edge of the husk, push down and draw back the near edge of the husk an inch or two so that the masa forms a sealed tube, of sorts. Now, fold up the bottom (narrow) end of the Hoja, making sure it is snug up to the bottom of the filling. Finally, roll the entire thing away from you, over the remaining flap, and …
Making Tamales: Steps 4, 5, and 6

… KaBOOOOOOOM! You have a tamale!! Most folks say tying up the open end of your tamale is optional. But, tying them up with a strip of Hoja keeps all the ingredients inside, and also helps make them look better when done.
Finished Tamales

Once you have formed all of your tamales, fill the bottom of a large steamer pot with water, place the steam insert into the bottom, and cover it with several Hoja leaves. Stack the finished tamales standing up in the steamer. Bring the water to a boil and cover the steamer, allowing the tamales to steam for about 60 minutes.
HINT: You’ll notice that the one tamale I didn’t tie up leaked out the top. Which is why I strongly urge you to give them the “50 Shades Of Grey” treatment.
Steamer, Raw Tamales, and Steamed Tamales

When you think they are done, remove one to test. When it has cooled sufficiently, unwrap it and enjoy. If it has steamed sufficiently, remove the rest from the steamer. Serve with avocado, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, rice and beans … you name it! These also freeze very well for future use. Just re-steam them or nuke ’em in the microwave, once they have defrosted.
Killer Queso (Cheese) Tamales

Give these a try … you won’t be disappointed. I’ve had several Hispanic friends swear me to secrecy that they actually liked these better than their Mom’s. Don’t worry, amigos … I’m not naming names! 😉

Marinate Time = 24 Hours
Prep Time = 90 minutes
Cooking Time = 4 Hours
Makes 28-32 Tamales

©2015 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Appetizers, Christmas, Holidays, Latin, Main Course, Side Dishes | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Chili Rojo Rub

Posted by Caveman Cooking on December 4, 2015

Chili Rojo Rub
This is a simple Latin flavored, zesty, smokey rub that you’ll need for our Killer Chili Rojo Tamales. Also works great for a unique rendition of Carnitas, as well as many other South-of-the-border dishes.

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons World Spice Merchants Yucatan Rojo
1 Tablespoon World Spice Merchants Chipotle Chili Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Chili Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Minced Garlic

RECIPE

Mix all ingredients into a small bowl, and mix well. BOOM … you’ve got rub!

Prep Time = 5 minutes
Makes 3.5 Tablespoons of rub

©2015 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Latin, Rubs, Sauces, Marinades & Dressings | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Killer Queso (Cheese) Tamales

Posted by Caveman Cooking on May 14, 2015

Killer Queso (Cheese) Tamales
While this is a labor intensive recipe, and I’m all about the easy, it isn’t a very difficult dish to pull off. Besides, if you gather the whole Caveclan together for an assembly line when it comes time to actually fill and roll the tamales, it goes by very quickly. Plus, when you finally unwrap one and take a bite, you’ll forget about all the steps involved!

INGREDIENTS

Masa (Dough):
3 Cups Tamal (Instant Masa Mix)
3 Cups Vegetable Stock
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 1/3 Cups Vegetable Shortening
3/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Relleno (Filling):
10 Ounces Mexican Melting Cheese – Shredded (I prefer Manchego or Oaxaca; can substitute Jack)
1/2 Cup Canned Chilies – Diced
1/2 Cup Salsa Verde

1 Package Hoja (Dried Corn Husks)

RECIPE

Cover the Hoja (corn husks) with cool water for 30-40 minutes. When thoroughly soaked, squeeze excess water out then place into a colander to allow rest of excess water to drip out. Do not let the husks dry completely – they must be moist and pliable when wrapping the tamales.
HINT: Place a heavy plate on top of the husks so that they stay completely submerged.
Soaking The Hoja (Corn Husks)

Place shortening into mixer and whip it until silky (3-4 minutes). Yes, Devo fans. I said, whip it. Whip it good!
Whipped Shortening

Meanwhile, place all the dry ingredients (Tamal, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper) into a large mixing bowl and whisk together.
Dry Ingredients

Add vegetable stock to dry ingredients. Using your hands, mix well until evenly distributed.
Dry Ingredients With Vegetable Stock

Add ingredients from mixing bowl to whipped shortening. Again, whip it until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes). And yes, again, whip it good!
Whipped Masa (Dough)

In the interim, place shredded cheese, diced chilies, and salsa verde into a medium mixing bowl and fold together until completely mixed.
NOTE: Believe it or not, now the real work begins! Gather your minions, if you can … or pop open the beverage of your choice and get ready to roll.
Cheese, Chilies, and Salsa Verde

Place one of the large Hoja (husks) on a flat surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the masa (dough) onto it. Now, this is where some tamale veterans may cringe, but I have found that this next step makes things go much faster and smoother. Take a small piece of plastic wrap and place it over the masa. With your hand, smooth and spread the masa out evenly, leaving several inches from the bottom of the husk, a couple inches from the top and far edge, and less than an inch from the near edge. The masa layer should be about 3/16″ thick. Remove the plastic wrap and set aside to use again. Then, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the relleno (filling) into the center of the masa.
HINT: If your Hoja are on the smaller side, just overlap two of them by a few inches to make one big leaf. Use a rubber spatula to spread a little masa on the near edge of the bottom husk to act as “glue”.
Making Tamales: Steps 1, 2, and 3

This is where a history of being a Rastafarian, or a teenager in the 1960’s, comes in handy. Take the near side of the Hoja and fold it over the the far edge. With your fingertips, lightly press the edges of the masa down to seal in the relleno. Then, while holding down the far edge of the husk, push down and draw back the near edge of the husk an inch or two so that the filling forms a sealed tube, of sorts. Now, fold up the bottom (narrow) end of the Hoja, making sure it is snug up to the bottom of the filling. Finally, roll the entire thing away from you, over the remaining flap, and …
Making Tamales: Steps 4, 5, and 6

… BOOM! You have a tamale!! Most folks say tying up the open end of your tamale is optional. But, with cheese tamales, the relleno has a tendency to bubble out, especially if you haven’t sealed in the masa well on the top end. Tying them up with a strip of Hoja not only solves that problem, but it also make them look better!
Finished Tamales

Once you have formed all of your tamales, fill the bottom of a large steamer pot with water, place the steam insert into the bottom, and cover it with several Hoja leaves. Stack the finished tamales standing up in the steamer. Bring the water to a boil and cover the steamer, allowing the tamales to steam for about 60 minutes.
HINT: You’ll notice that the one tamale I didn’t tie up leaked out the top. Which is why I strongly urge you to give them the “50 Shades Of Grey” treatment.
Steamer, Raw Tamales, and Steamed Tamales

When you think they are done, remove one to test. When it has cooled sufficiently, unwrap it and enjoy. If it has steamed sufficiently, remove the rest from the steamer. Serve with avocado, guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, rice and beans … you name it! These also freeze very well for future use. Just re-steam them or nuke ’em in the microwave, once they have defrosted.
Killer Queso (Cheese) Tamales

For those of you who are dedicated carnivores, don’t worry. I’ve posted the carne (meat) version of these tasty bundles right here!

Prep Time = 90 minutes
Cooking Time = 60 minutes
Makes 22-24 Tamales

©2015 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Appetizers, Christmas, Holidays, Latin, Main Course, Vegetarian | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

R&R Pulled Pork Tacos & Gnarly Nachos

Posted by Caveman Cooking on March 21, 2011

R&R Pulled Pork Tacos Yeah, I know … I’ve been lagging BIG TIME around here. Rather than bore you with all mundane, yet legitimate, excuses as to why, I think I’d rather share this delicious combo of American BBQ and south of the border flavors! Besides, wouldn’t you rather have a delectable new dish to try instead of being up to date on the daily trials and tribulations of an ordinary Neanderthal??? I thought so! 😉 These tacos are kind of a domesticated version of the famous Al Pastor taco found in most authentic Mexican taquerias. First thing you’ll need to do is follow the instructions for preparing one recipe of Dutch Oven R&R Pulled Pork. Be sure to start that recipe a day ahead, as you will have to marinate the pork shoulder overnight with some smokey dry rub – we prefer our homemade BBQ Rub-a-dub which was developed specifically for this recipe. Once it is in the oven cooking, you’ll want to get on making the R&R BBQ Sauce, which takes a couple hours of simmering on the stove top. By the way, don’t be afraid to try this sweet and spicy sauce on ribs, beef, chicken, or anything else you might barbeque. You’ll definitely want to top those tacos with some salsa (We’ll have to write up our simple and rapid salsa recipe for you soon … it will make you forego bottled salsas for good!) and some guacamole. Since the Pulled Pork and BBQ sauce cook for so long, you’ll have plenty of time to whip up some Rockin’ Guac. Be sure to make extra, because not only are you likely to be nibbling on some before the meal, but you’ll also need some to go with the Nachos! Speaking of which, the recipe for our Gnarly Nachos is so simple, we are actually going to abandon the usual step-by-step photo instructions and just spell it out for you here. Take a medium sized baking dish or pan and lightly coat with non-stick spray. cover the bottom with a single layer of your favorite tortilla chips. Top the chips with scattered spoonfuls of refried beans (we use the vegetarian variety for the herbivores in our Cave clan), then cover with shredded cheddar cheese. Add another layer of chips, and repeat the process with the beans and cheese. Place in an oven preheated to 350° for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is completely melted and the beans are hot. When done, remove from oven and top with pickled Jalapeno slices, salsa, and guac. If you like, you can also add chopped tomatoes and onions, sour cream, cilantro … you name it! When the pulled pork recipe is complete, heat up some corn tortillas, top them with a healthy scoop of the tender meat and top with guac and salsa. I guarantee that the mewls of palatable pleasure you will hear around the dining table will be the perfect musical compliment to these devine dishes! ©2011 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in BBQ, Latin, Main Course, Side Dishes, Vegetarian | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments »

Mangocado Salsa

Posted by Caveman Cooking on August 4, 2010

Mangocado Salsa 4
This ain’t your Mama’s Mango Salsa … that is, if she ever even made it! Delicious on fish, with tortilla chips, or just by the spoonful!! 😉 Best of all, this is super easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

1 Large Mango
1 Large Avocado
1 Medium Tomato
1/2 Medium Sweet or White Onion
1 Teaspoon Fresh Cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 Lime, juiced

RECIPE

Dice mango, avocado, tomato and onion.
Mangocado Salsa 1

Place diced ingredients into medium sized bowl. Add cilantro, cumin seeds, and lime juice.
Mangocado Salsa 2

Gently stir all ingredients together until mixed well.
Mangocado Salsa 3

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This is great as a side dish, appetizer, or just munching it solo! Served here with fresh grilled Sockeye Salmon (I bet you can’t guess what the next recipe will be! :lol:)
Mangocado Salsa 4

Prep Time = 15 minutes
Cook Time = n/a
Serves 6-8

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at https://cavemancooking.wordpress.com authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Latin, Side Dishes, Vegetarian | Tagged: , , , , , | 12 Comments »

Cinco de Mayo Musings

Posted by Caveman Cooking on May 5, 2010

When I was a kid growing up in So Cal, other than from some of my Mex-Am classmates, you hardly heard much mention of Cinco de Mayo – a voluntarily observed holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. But, while it is now observed with incredible gusto in the United States and other countries around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, it’s basically ignored in Mexico. However, if you are a true Caveperson, you find any excuse you can to to make mucho merriment! With that in mind, I thought I’d recall a few Cave-faves that make perfect plates for your fifth day of May fiesta.

Rockin' Guac
What celebration of our neighbors to the south would be proper without some Rockin’ Guac?!? Whether you are serving it as an appetizer with chips and margaritas; a topping to tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas; or a condiment on a torta, guacamole is a must! Make sure your avos are ripe and your ingredients fresh, and your guac will certainly rock!

Texas Red Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Tacos. Everyone loves tacos! Well, almost everyone. But, if you have any affinity at all for tacos and happen to like shrimp, too, you will love these Texas Red Grilled Shrimp Tacos! What’s not to love??? They are quick, easy, and best of all, absolutely delicious. Plus, they are a bit different from your everyday street taco. Put some Mariscos on your Cinco menu to make it a fully flavorful fiesta.

Tasty Enchiladas
The enchilada may be the quintessential Mexican dish. This is true south of the border comfort food. But, if they aren’t made well, there is little comfort afforded to those that partake. This recipe for Tasty Enchiladas, authored by the Cavewoman, will assure that you will be safe from sub-par samples of this soul-soothing dish. Plus, we offer both veggie-friendly and carnivore-cordial versions to make sure everyone at your Cinco de Mayo celebration is covered.

Whether you choose any or all of these recipes, or opt for other Mexican favorites, we wish you a fun, flavorful, and frolic-filled fete. Just be sure that if the Mezcal starts flowing to leave the worm in the bottle! 😉

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Holidays, Latin | Tagged: , , , , , | 9 Comments »

BBQ Cod Tacos

Posted by Caveman Cooking on April 23, 2010

BBQ Cod Tacos
Now that the initial hoopla of our Want Beef? Giveaway has mellowed a bit, I can finally post a new recipe – Wooo HOOOO!
I’m always looking for a deal. So, I usually go nuts when something tasty goes on sale and buy way too much of it … this week it was fresh Alaskan Cod! Mmmmm MMMMMM!!
😉

INGREDIENTS

1 Pound Fresh Cod Fillets
1-2 TBSP Butter
1/4 Head of White Cabbage or Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
2 Tsp Herbal Red Seasoning
1/2 Fresh Lime
6 Corn Tortillas
1 Preparation of Rockin’ Guac

RECIPE

Rinse Cod fillets and pat dry. Place them onto large sheet of foil sprayed with cooking oil. Slice butter as thinly as possible into pats, and place on top of fish. Evenly squeeze the juice from half a lime over the fillets. Then evenly sprinkle the TSS Herbal Red seasoning over the fillets, and add a pinch of Kosher or sea salt if desired.
Seasoned Cod Fillets

Heat grill until hood temp is around 325°. Reduce the middle burner to low or, if using charcoal, be sure to leave a gap in the middle of the grill for some indirect cooking. Place foil with fish onto center of the grill and cover for 3-5 minutes, until fish has lost most of it’s translucence.
Cod on Grill

With a large spatula, flip fillets and place directly onto the grill uncovered to give the fish a little grill-crusting on the outside. Just a minute or two does the trick. Take the melted butter that remains on the foil and evenly pour it over the fillets.
I like to give both sides some browning, so I do a re-flip for an additional minute before taking them off the grill.
NOTE 1: There are many ways to heat up your tortillas (a must do unless they are fresh off the griddle). One of my faves is to roll up three at a time in some foil and place ’em right on the grill … very Cavemanesque, don’t ya think?!? ;))
Cod Fillets on the Grill

The fish should easily flake up into bite sized chunks. Place shredded cabbage or lettuce (the Cavekids have been on a binge of the latter, lately) onto tortillas, then add fish, and top with some Rockin’ Guac. You can also top with shredded cheese and/or your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
BBQ Cod Tacos

With any luck, you’ll get a response something akin to what the Cavekids gave these. They had each already wolfed one down before I could even get to the table and take my first bite!
Cavekids Love These Tacos

Prep Time = 10 minutes
Cook Time = 7 Minutes
Serves 3-4

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in BBQ, Latin, Main Course, Seafood | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments »

Tasty Enchiladas

Posted by Caveman Cooking on February 1, 2010


Back by popular demand, the Cavewoman returns to share her tasty Cheese Enchilada recipe. Don’t worry fellow carnivores, we’ll still show you how to turn them into awesome Chicken Enchiladas, too!

INGREDIENTS

1 12 oz. package Queso Fresco
2 Cups finely shredded Chedder Cheese
1 16 oz. Can of Corncorn
1 28 oz. Can Enchilada Sauce
12-16 Flour Tortillas
3 Serrano Peppers, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

RECIPE

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large, flat non-stick fry pan and lightly fry tortillas. Pat dry with a paper towel. If pan dries out after 5 or 6 tortillas add another tablespoon of oil.
I don’t like them too brown, just lightly cooked. Frying them is a must though, I tried it once skipping this step and it was horrible. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for healthy meals, but sometimes a little grease is a good thing.
Fried Tortillas

Make sure the Queso Fresco is culture pasteurized … otherwise you’ll be playing Russian Roulette with your digestive system. Crumble Queso Fresco into a large bowl.
Queso Fresco

Mix in the rest of the dry ingredients and then combine with 1/3 of can of the sauce.
Enchilada Ingredients

The next step is very important. Make sure you have an adorable sous chef! If you don’t have one, I highly recommend getting one. 😉
Cute Sous Chef

If you want to do the meat-lover’s version of this recipe add some chicken to the cheese mixture and combine well. My hubby, the Caveman, likes to cook up one of his Juicy Beer Can Chickens and add about 1.5 to 2 cups of it, shredded. He swears by it but, of course, I just skip this step and keep it veggie-friendly.
Enchilada Filling with Chicken

I always forget, but use a nonstick spray before doing this next step. You’ll be happy later that you did. If you forget like I did, it makes for very messy enchilada’s when you go to scoop them out. They still rock, but they just aren’t as pretty. After you spray, coat the bottom of the large baking dish with some sauce.
Sauce in Baking Dish

Place a mound of the mixture in the center of the tortilla. “Testing” the mixture is a must at this point. I like it almost as much raw as I do cooked. It’s amazing, no need to be patient, nibble away. There’s plenty. 😉
Enchilada Filling

Squeeze lightly but firmly while you are rolling. Yikes, my hands look BONEY!!
Rolling Tortillas

Place in pan seam side down and cover them with the remaining sauce. Cook them at 350 covered with foil for 35 minutes. If you like melted cheese on top, uncover at 30 minutes and put more cheese on top.
Enchiladas in Pan

We like diced up Serrano’s on ours. These are homegrown and so good. But, we have more than we know what to do with! If you have any good Serrano Pepper recipes, please send them our way. We could use them!!
Tasty Cheese Enchiladas with Cave's Carne Asada and Rockin' Guac

Even though these are Cheese Enchiladas here, the Cavedude found a way to beef ’em up with some Carne Asada and Rockin’ Guac.
You may think I’m crazy, but my favorite thing about making this dish (besides nibbling on the uncooked filling) is having leftovers for breakfast the next day. And then more for lunch. And, perhaps, even more for dessert! I just can’t get enough of these … yes, I need help. 😉

Prep Time = 15 minutes
Cook Time = 35 minutes
Serves 6-8

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Latin, Main Course, Vegetarian | Tagged: , , , , | 15 Comments »

Rockin’ Guac

Posted by Caveman Cooking on January 25, 2010


As promised in Freezer Food Fest #10, here is my recipe for some killer guacamole. It doesn’t hurt that I get some phenomenal homegrown avocados, courtesy of the Cave-in-laws!

INGREDIENTS

3-4 Medium Avocados, ripened
1 Medium-Large Roma Tomato
1/4 Cup Sweet Onion, minced
1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 Fresh Lime
1/4 tsp World Spice Merchants Ancho Chili Powder
1/4 tsp Tapatio Sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste

RECIPE

First, make sure you enlist the help of a good sous chef. Not only do things go faster, it’s a lot more fun to cook with some one else … especially if it’s your kid!

With a sharp knife, cut avocados in half, lengthwise. Score the avocado into 1/2 inch square sections, being careful not to cut through the skin. Then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the avo and place into a medium-large bowl.

Chop tomato and cilantro, mince garlic and onion, and place into the bowl. Add chili powder, Tapatio Sauce, salt, and pepper, as well.
HINT #1: I like to use Garlic Salt instead of regular for this recipe.

Take a fork and begin to mix all the ingredients well. Continue until the avocado starts to smooth a bit, yet leaving some chunks, as well.

Squeeze the juice from the lime section onto mixture and mix in well.

At this point taste the guac and adjust seasonings as needed. Place into bowl and serve immediately, or cover air-tight and refrigerate until needed (not more than 4 hours for freshest flavor and color)
HINT #2: Reserve one avocado pit and place into center of completed and plated guacamole. It not only looks kind of cool, but it also helps it from turning color too soon. No one likes guac that isn’t green!

RECIPE UPDATE: Lately, I have taken to switching out the chili powder and Tapatio Sauce for a small jalapeño pepper (veined, seeded, and minced), and a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It really takes this already rockin’ recipe to the next level!

Prep Time = 15 minutes
Cook Time = n/a
Serves 4-8

©2010 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in Appetizers, Latin, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments »

Texas Red Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Posted by Caveman Cooking on October 25, 2009


Quick, easy and absolutely delicious.

INGREDIENTS

12-20 (depending on size) Raw, peeled, and veined medium-sized Shrimp
4 Corn Tortillas
1 Tbsp of Texas Select Seasonings™ “Herbal Red” (or more, to taste)
1 Cup shredded White Cabbage
1 Tbsp Mayonaise
1 Tbsp Sour Cream
1 Tsp Chipotle Chili Powder (or more, to taste)

RECIPE

In small bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream and Chipotle Chili Powder. Cover and chill until needed.
Place shrimp onto skewers and cover liberally with TSS Herbal Red seasoning:

Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook until done. I like ’em on the “crispier” side:

Just before removing shrimp from grill warm up the corn tortillas:

Put White Cabbage and Chipotle sauce on tortilla, add 3-5 (depending on size) shrimp, and garnish with avocado and/or salsa:

Prep Time = 10 minutes
Cook Time = 10 minutes
Makes 4 tacos

©2009 UFishClub.com/UFC – Unemployed Fishing Club™ All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the UFC – Unemployed Fishing Club Forums at http://ufishclub.com/ufcfishingforum.html authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.

Posted in BBQ, Latin, Main Course, Seafood | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »