Whenever I think of Texas I think of Barbecue. However to be fair to Missouri, Tennessee, and North Carolina, I don’t think I could dedicate Barbecue to Texas. I’ll choose to dedicate a week to Barbecue, using recipes from all these states in the coming weeks.
I have spent of 12 years of my life in Texas. I was born in San Antonio. With all my time there I have been able to spend time in many different cities of the state. Besides Barbecue there are a few foods that are prominent throughout the state. There is one food that everybody has enjoy, no matter where you live. There are thousands of versions, and everybody thinks they prepare it the best. That’s probably why is it is such a staple of American Cuisine.
This food is so popular that it is the Official State food of Texas. How could I not dedicate this Food to Texas? We are talking of course of…
CHILI
Sorry Cincinnati, Ohio…. It's no Contest.
When we try to look back at the origins of Chili, things get a little confusing. One thing we are pretty sure of is that it did not originate in Mexico. The reason we are confident of this, is that it is not there today. This heritage has not changed their food culture over the centuries, so its doubtful that it originated here.
There are legends that it originated in Spain in the 17th century using Venison. There is another story that it originated when families emigrated from the Canary Islands to colonize what is now known as San Antonio in the 18th Century.
Many believe it originated around 1850 by Texan Cowboys on Trails to and From California. I choose to follow this legend. It mean come on!! What do you think of when you think of Texas? Cowboys and Cattle out on the trail!! Right?? Yep, I’m sticking with this Legend.
So what’s in Chili?? Well , its a lot of good stuff mixed together. As mentioned there are many different recipes. But there are 3 main ingredients. Meat, Tomatoes, and Peppers. After that it’s up to you and your taste.
I chose a recipe that I’ve used for years and cook often. I try to incorporate the ingredients that are popular in most Texas Chili recipes. My recipe does not include beans, but DON’T let anybody tell you that real Chili doesn’t have beans. There are fabulous Chili recipes that have beans as an ingredient, just not this one.
In the interest of time I use Dried and Canned Spices. Obviously the use of fresh peppers and tomatoes can’t hurt , but to be honest the flavor really doesn’t change much so we’re going with this option.
RECIPE
3 Pounds Sirloin or Round Steak cut into ½ inch pieces
( Round Steak is a little less expensive but tastes fabulous in Chili)
2 - 28oz Cans Crushed Tomatoes with Juice
1 – Can Tomato Paste
2 – 4oz Cans Diced Green Chilies
1 – 4oz Can Diced Jalapeños (Optional)
5 Teaspoons Minced Garlic( 5-7 Cloves)
2 Teaspoons Chopped Dry Oregano
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
2 Teaspoons Salt
2 Tablespoons Ground Pepper
1 Cup Chicken Stock
1 Bottle Premium Beer
1 Teaspoon Masa
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
All of the Chile spices are in the Chili Powder , however to add a bit of texture I prefer to add the Green Chilies as well. These chilies are mild in flavor but really do enhance the dish.
Cooking
Chop Steak into ½ inch pieces. ( Most Meat departments have Steak already chopped and Prepackaged. If you can find this, get it. It saves so much time.)
Heat a Cast Iron Skillet to Med High Heat. Add Tablespoon of Olive Oil. Add meat and season with 1 Teaspoon of Salt. Cook meat until browned.
Remove Browned Meat into Dutch Oven or Large Cooking Pot.
Add Garlic to Skillet and cook until Garlic starts to turn Brown
Remove Garlic from Skillet to Cooking Pot along with all Juices.
Heat Stove Top to Low and add the following ingredients to Cooking Pot in this order.
Green Chilies ( For more heat, you can substitute 1 can of Jalapeños for 1 can of Green Chilies)
Oregano
Onion Powder
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
Salt and Pepper
Stir and add Crushed Tomatoes
Stir in Tomato Paste
Chicken Stock
Bottled Beer ( Choose one you like , NO LIGHT BEER! )
Cover and Cook for 45 Min. stirring occasionally.
After 45 Minutes remove cover and Stir in Cumin and Remaining Chili powder
Cover and Cook for another 30 min. After 30 Min add Masa to thicken if desired and heat uncovered for a few minutes.
Your Chili is now ready.
Makes 6 –8 Servings.
If you have a recipe for Chili that you would like to share , please send it and I will post. Be sure to vote on this weeks selection in the upper left hand corner of this page.
Next week......We go to the North East.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hot topic - Health Care Reform
The big topic this week in our country is Health Care Reform.
This has been a hot debate. You can't go anywhere or talk to anybody that doesn't have an Opinion.
So what is Health Care Reform?
The President, Congress, insurance companies, providers, and health care consumers like you are all talking about it. But the simple answer to "what is health care reform" is, well, there's no simple answer. But whatever the answer is, it's likely to have a profound effect on many Americans.
It would be nice to explain in a simple way Health Care Reform. But we can't. Our Health Care System has a lot of parts. It isn't really a system at all. There are Private Payers , Government Payers, and private providers. Its full of Holes and Gaps . With all this, 46 Million people in this country are not insured at all.
Before we dive in I would like to make a few observations I've seen over the past year or so concerning this topic.
A wise person once said "Never discuss Religion or Politics in an open setting". The reason I bring this up is that this issue has become completely Political. I've been really struggling with why this is. It would be a good bet , that your view on this topic would be right in line with your political affiliation. Sure there are exceptions to the rule, but in general this is what I have observed.
Folks we are talking about fixing a huge problem in our country. Its unbelievable to think that there are people out there who will say anything to make sure we have no changes. I wonder why that is?
So just as a refresher, here is what we are dealing with, and what we are trying to change.
46 Million Americans don't have any type of Health Insurance at all. So if they get sick or Injured, they have to pay cash or even worse , go without treatment.
30% of every Dollar Americans spend on Health Care is wasted on Unneeded tests, Emergency Room visits that aren't really emergencies, and care that just doesn't improve Health.
Americans spend more on Health Care than any other Nation, but it doesn't make us healthier, and we don't live longer.
We take care of Illness, but we do little to promote Health.
I think we all would agree that we would like to change these issues.
But how?
Government is looking many options.
One option is to guarantee that anyone can get insurance regardless of their health, even those with pre- existing conditions.
There is another option that goes even farther. It would REQUIRE that everyone has coverage.
The first question that comes to mind is why would we want this option? This would be so that people wouldn't wait until they are sick until they apply for coverage. If that happened we would only be insuring the sick , and that would raise the cost for everyone and defeats the whole purpose of Health Insurance. Insurance works because everybody contributes, which in turn, spreads out the costs.
Another idea is to let people choose between a Government plan like the one Government employees have today, or private plan. Choose whats right for you.
One idea is to start over. Let the Government administer Health Care like it does the Post office and Education System.
Whatever is decided the Government will have to help some Americans to pay for coverage. That means that it will come with a price tag for tax payers.
So the real question is how do we make Health Care less expensive.
Technology- Make the industry more efficient. Making medical records electronic , which would reduce paperwork.
Pay Doctors and Hospitals for "Quality of Care" instead of Quantity. This ensures patients pay for the right care at the right time.
Taking a more preventable approach to Health Care. This includes exercise, eating well and education. An astonishing 70% of Health costs today are from preventable chronic diseases.
You see its NOT about Nationalizing Health Care!!
Its about fixing a broken segment of our country.
We do this to strengthen our Nation. To invest in our children's future, and to make our society stronger.
We have all paid taxes for our public school system for as long as we can remember. We do this for the same argument. My children happen to go to a private school , but I have never had a thought of not paying taxes for education to better our society , just because I don't happen to use the system.
This isn't political . Its just common sense....
I look forward to your thoughts !
Hot Topic of the Week is Posted every Wed.
*Some Statistics and Excerpts used in today's Blog are from staysmartstayhealthy.com
This has been a hot debate. You can't go anywhere or talk to anybody that doesn't have an Opinion.
So what is Health Care Reform?
The President, Congress, insurance companies, providers, and health care consumers like you are all talking about it. But the simple answer to "what is health care reform" is, well, there's no simple answer. But whatever the answer is, it's likely to have a profound effect on many Americans.
It would be nice to explain in a simple way Health Care Reform. But we can't. Our Health Care System has a lot of parts. It isn't really a system at all. There are Private Payers , Government Payers, and private providers. Its full of Holes and Gaps . With all this, 46 Million people in this country are not insured at all.
Before we dive in I would like to make a few observations I've seen over the past year or so concerning this topic.
A wise person once said "Never discuss Religion or Politics in an open setting". The reason I bring this up is that this issue has become completely Political. I've been really struggling with why this is. It would be a good bet , that your view on this topic would be right in line with your political affiliation. Sure there are exceptions to the rule, but in general this is what I have observed.
Folks we are talking about fixing a huge problem in our country. Its unbelievable to think that there are people out there who will say anything to make sure we have no changes. I wonder why that is?
So just as a refresher, here is what we are dealing with, and what we are trying to change.
46 Million Americans don't have any type of Health Insurance at all. So if they get sick or Injured, they have to pay cash or even worse , go without treatment.
30% of every Dollar Americans spend on Health Care is wasted on Unneeded tests, Emergency Room visits that aren't really emergencies, and care that just doesn't improve Health.
Americans spend more on Health Care than any other Nation, but it doesn't make us healthier, and we don't live longer.
We take care of Illness, but we do little to promote Health.
I think we all would agree that we would like to change these issues.
But how?
Government is looking many options.
One option is to guarantee that anyone can get insurance regardless of their health, even those with pre- existing conditions.
There is another option that goes even farther. It would REQUIRE that everyone has coverage.
The first question that comes to mind is why would we want this option? This would be so that people wouldn't wait until they are sick until they apply for coverage. If that happened we would only be insuring the sick , and that would raise the cost for everyone and defeats the whole purpose of Health Insurance. Insurance works because everybody contributes, which in turn, spreads out the costs.
Another idea is to let people choose between a Government plan like the one Government employees have today, or private plan. Choose whats right for you.
One idea is to start over. Let the Government administer Health Care like it does the Post office and Education System.
Whatever is decided the Government will have to help some Americans to pay for coverage. That means that it will come with a price tag for tax payers.
So the real question is how do we make Health Care less expensive.
Technology- Make the industry more efficient. Making medical records electronic , which would reduce paperwork.
Pay Doctors and Hospitals for "Quality of Care" instead of Quantity. This ensures patients pay for the right care at the right time.
Taking a more preventable approach to Health Care. This includes exercise, eating well and education. An astonishing 70% of Health costs today are from preventable chronic diseases.
You see its NOT about Nationalizing Health Care!!
Its about fixing a broken segment of our country.
We do this to strengthen our Nation. To invest in our children's future, and to make our society stronger.
We have all paid taxes for our public school system for as long as we can remember. We do this for the same argument. My children happen to go to a private school , but I have never had a thought of not paying taxes for education to better our society , just because I don't happen to use the system.
This isn't political . Its just common sense....
I look forward to your thoughts !
Hot Topic of the Week is Posted every Wed.
*Some Statistics and Excerpts used in today's Blog are from staysmartstayhealthy.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
In Search of American Cuisine - California
I thought it would be a good idea to start our search in a part of the country that I am very familiar with. California.
What was I thinking!!
California is like a country in itself. There are so many diverse cultures and communities. This region of course has a tremendous Hispanic community, as well as an abundant Asian culture. How do I pin down one Cuisine. There are so many different types of cultures from people that have migrated here from all over and abroad.
On top of that ,
California has been the number one food and agricultural producer in the United States for more than 50 consecutive years.
More than half the nation's fruit, nuts, and vegetables come from here.
California is the nation's number one dairy state.
California's leading commodity is milk and cream. Grapes are second.
California's leading export crop is almonds.
Nationally, products exclusively grown (99% or more) in California include almonds, artichokes, dates, figs, kiwifruit, olives, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, raisins, clovers, and walnuts.
From 70 to 80% of all ripe olives are grown in California.
California is the nation's leading producer of strawberries, averaging 1.4 billion pounds of strawberries or 83% of the country's total fresh and frozen strawberry production. Approximately 12% of the crop is exported to Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan primarily. The value of the California strawberry crop is approximately $700 million with related employment of more than 48,000 people.
California produces 25% of the nation's onions and 43% of the nation's green onions.
Gilroy, California, "Garlic Capitol of the World," has hosted 2 million at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.
Where do I begin??!!!
I thought I'd take a simple approach. I grew up in Southern California, and true to the Stereotype, I spent most of my free time at the beach. All Californians do. There was, and still is one food that personifies this lifestyle.
THE FISH TACO.
There has been a lot of friendly debate on how and when this food migrated to Southern California. Many people give credit to Ralph Rubio for bringing this item to California in the 70's. However I have a picture of my Dad in the early 60's at a food stand with aFish Taco sign in the background while eating one. So Who Knows?! One thing everybody agrees on is that its origins came from Baja California. So we'll leave it at that.
There are two options when preparing Fish Tacos. Fried or Grilled Fish. Both are great, but I prefer grilled. I am able to get a better taste of the flavor of the fish, and its easier to season to individual tastes. But most important, Its easier to prepare!
There is also one more important decision. What type of fish?
There is really only one simple rule here. It needs to be a sustainable firm fleshed fish. I've had this made with Red Snapper, Striped Bass, Tuna, Sea Bass, and Red Rock Fish. But my favorite is Mahi- Mahi.
Not only for the taste and texture, but for the sustainability.
So here is our first entry for California ( The First of many)
___
GRILLED FISH TACOS
Taco Filling
2 1/2 - 3 Pounds Fresh Mahi Mahi Fillet
2 Large Avocados
1 Pound Pineapple Coleslaw (See Easy Recipe Below)
One Container Chipolte Ranch Dressing if available. If not, Simple Ranch Dressing may be substituted
1 Tablespoon Ground Allspice
2 Tablespoons Fresh Ground Pepper
1Teaspoon Ground Sea salt
1 Teaspoon Cayenne (Red) Pepper
2 Tablespoons Died Pepper Spice Blend ( Found in Most Groceries)
Tacos-
12 , 10 Inch Fresh Flour or Corn Tortillas
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
Preparation-
For the marinade, squeeze the Juice of 1 1/2 Oranges and 1/ 1-2 Limes into a casserole dish. Add Soy Sauce. Save remaining half of Lemon and Orange.
Wash and pat dry Mahi-Mahi with paper towel. If possible try to use a whole piece of Mahi-Mahi. If not available make sure each piece is at least 5 inches long in length.
Once dried, place fish in Marinade and cover at room temperature for 30 Min.
*Please note that some people like to add their spices to the marinade. This is OK but I feel that the citrus eliminates some of the spice. I prefer to add seasoning on top of the fish while cooking.
Dice both Avocados and place in bowl. Add One Small Squeez of Juice form Lime to Avocado and set bowl aside. This will help prevent browning of the Avocado and also add great flavor.
While Fish is marinating, Prepare Coleslaw.
Making homemade Coleslaw can be cumbersome. Besides that, at the end of the day there is an easier and less time consuming way to turn out a Slaw the is just as tasty.
I prefer to use a 1 pound bag of pre-packaged Coleslaw mix which includes Cabbage, Red Cabbage and Carrots. To this, I add 1/2 to 3/4 of a jar of Pineapple Coleslaw sauce and mix. There are many different options to choose from, but I prefer the Brand called Jimmy's. This is available in almost all Supermarket chains. If not available try to use a different Pineapple Slaw Mix. You won't regret it.
Its important to note that while the mix states to add the whole jar, our goal is to have a crispy slaw. 1/2 to 3/4 of the jar will deliver all the flavor but still keep your slaw crispy, which is what we are looking for. Whatever your preference in Coleslaw, Creamy is no way to go here!
Once mixed cover and refrigerate for 30 min.
Cooking-
Turn on Grill to High Temperature. If you don't have a grill, use your oven and set to Broil.
After 30 Min. of Marinating, place fish on Grill.
Season fish with half of Seasoning.
Cook for 5 Min. and turn Fish.
Season Fish with remaining Seasoning and grill for another 5 Min.
Remove Fish and Place on cutting board for5 Min.
Carefully chop Fish into 1/2 inch pieces.
( If fish should fall apart in some places, it's OK. These are Tacos, remember?)
Once Fish is chopped, place in large mixing bowl.
Add Remaining Juice from Lime and Orange
Tacos-
Add Vegetable Oil to 12 Inch Skillet and turn on Med High Heat.
Once heated add Tortilla
Turn tortilla with tongs after 5 Sec.
With tongs grab end of Tortilla and fold in half while still in skillet.
Place new casserole dish next to skillet and line with paper towell.
Remove Tortilla and place on top of paper towell in casserole dish.
Repeat process until all Tortillas have been fried.
Take tortilla shells and add Fish evenly inside all shells.
Dress each Taco with selected Chipolte Ranch Dressing
Add Avocado to each Taco
Top each Taco with Pinapple Coleslaw
Serves 4-6
Dig in.
If you can't be at the beach, eat like you are!!
Thanks to whoever did bring this to California!
If you have a different version of this Recipe, or would like to comment, please feel free to post in the Comments Section. I'll be happy to pass on.
This Friday we head to Texas!!
What was I thinking!!
California is like a country in itself. There are so many diverse cultures and communities. This region of course has a tremendous Hispanic community, as well as an abundant Asian culture. How do I pin down one Cuisine. There are so many different types of cultures from people that have migrated here from all over and abroad.
On top of that ,
California has been the number one food and agricultural producer in the United States for more than 50 consecutive years.
More than half the nation's fruit, nuts, and vegetables come from here.
California is the nation's number one dairy state.
California's leading commodity is milk and cream. Grapes are second.
California's leading export crop is almonds.
Nationally, products exclusively grown (99% or more) in California include almonds, artichokes, dates, figs, kiwifruit, olives, persimmons, pistachios, prunes, raisins, clovers, and walnuts.
From 70 to 80% of all ripe olives are grown in California.
California is the nation's leading producer of strawberries, averaging 1.4 billion pounds of strawberries or 83% of the country's total fresh and frozen strawberry production. Approximately 12% of the crop is exported to Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan primarily. The value of the California strawberry crop is approximately $700 million with related employment of more than 48,000 people.
California produces 25% of the nation's onions and 43% of the nation's green onions.
Gilroy, California, "Garlic Capitol of the World," has hosted 2 million at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival.
Where do I begin??!!!
I thought I'd take a simple approach. I grew up in Southern California, and true to the Stereotype, I spent most of my free time at the beach. All Californians do. There was, and still is one food that personifies this lifestyle.
THE FISH TACO.
There has been a lot of friendly debate on how and when this food migrated to Southern California. Many people give credit to Ralph Rubio for bringing this item to California in the 70's. However I have a picture of my Dad in the early 60's at a food stand with aFish Taco sign in the background while eating one. So Who Knows?! One thing everybody agrees on is that its origins came from Baja California. So we'll leave it at that.
There are two options when preparing Fish Tacos. Fried or Grilled Fish. Both are great, but I prefer grilled. I am able to get a better taste of the flavor of the fish, and its easier to season to individual tastes. But most important, Its easier to prepare!
There is also one more important decision. What type of fish?
There is really only one simple rule here. It needs to be a sustainable firm fleshed fish. I've had this made with Red Snapper, Striped Bass, Tuna, Sea Bass, and Red Rock Fish. But my favorite is Mahi- Mahi.
Not only for the taste and texture, but for the sustainability.
So here is our first entry for California ( The First of many)
___
GRILLED FISH TACOS
Taco Filling
2 1/2 - 3 Pounds Fresh Mahi Mahi Fillet
2 Large Avocados
1 Pound Pineapple Coleslaw (See Easy Recipe Below)
One Container Chipolte Ranch Dressing if available. If not, Simple Ranch Dressing may be substituted
Marinade-
2 Limes
2 Oranges
1/2 Cup Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Ground Allspice
2 Tablespoons Fresh Ground Pepper
1Teaspoon Ground Sea salt
1 Teaspoon Cayenne (Red) Pepper
2 Tablespoons Died Pepper Spice Blend ( Found in Most Groceries)
Tacos-
12 , 10 Inch Fresh Flour or Corn Tortillas
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
Preparation-
For the marinade, squeeze the Juice of 1 1/2 Oranges and 1/ 1-2 Limes into a casserole dish. Add Soy Sauce. Save remaining half of Lemon and Orange.
Wash and pat dry Mahi-Mahi with paper towel. If possible try to use a whole piece of Mahi-Mahi. If not available make sure each piece is at least 5 inches long in length.
Once dried, place fish in Marinade and cover at room temperature for 30 Min.
*Please note that some people like to add their spices to the marinade. This is OK but I feel that the citrus eliminates some of the spice. I prefer to add seasoning on top of the fish while cooking.
Dice both Avocados and place in bowl. Add One Small Squeez of Juice form Lime to Avocado and set bowl aside. This will help prevent browning of the Avocado and also add great flavor.
While Fish is marinating, Prepare Coleslaw.
Making homemade Coleslaw can be cumbersome. Besides that, at the end of the day there is an easier and less time consuming way to turn out a Slaw the is just as tasty.
I prefer to use a 1 pound bag of pre-packaged Coleslaw mix which includes Cabbage, Red Cabbage and Carrots. To this, I add 1/2 to 3/4 of a jar of Pineapple Coleslaw sauce and mix. There are many different options to choose from, but I prefer the Brand called Jimmy's. This is available in almost all Supermarket chains. If not available try to use a different Pineapple Slaw Mix. You won't regret it.
Its important to note that while the mix states to add the whole jar, our goal is to have a crispy slaw. 1/2 to 3/4 of the jar will deliver all the flavor but still keep your slaw crispy, which is what we are looking for. Whatever your preference in Coleslaw, Creamy is no way to go here!
Once mixed cover and refrigerate for 30 min.
Cooking-
Turn on Grill to High Temperature. If you don't have a grill, use your oven and set to Broil.
After 30 Min. of Marinating, place fish on Grill.
Season fish with half of Seasoning.
Cook for 5 Min. and turn Fish.
Season Fish with remaining Seasoning and grill for another 5 Min.
Remove Fish and Place on cutting board for5 Min.
Carefully chop Fish into 1/2 inch pieces.
( If fish should fall apart in some places, it's OK. These are Tacos, remember?)
Once Fish is chopped, place in large mixing bowl.
Add Remaining Juice from Lime and Orange
Tacos-
Add Vegetable Oil to 12 Inch Skillet and turn on Med High Heat.
Once heated add Tortilla
Turn tortilla with tongs after 5 Sec.
With tongs grab end of Tortilla and fold in half while still in skillet.
Place new casserole dish next to skillet and line with paper towell.
Remove Tortilla and place on top of paper towell in casserole dish.
Repeat process until all Tortillas have been fried.
Take tortilla shells and add Fish evenly inside all shells.
Dress each Taco with selected Chipolte Ranch Dressing
Add Avocado to each Taco
Top each Taco with Pinapple Coleslaw
Serves 4-6
Dig in.
If you can't be at the beach, eat like you are!!
Thanks to whoever did bring this to California!
If you have a different version of this Recipe, or would like to comment, please feel free to post in the Comments Section. I'll be happy to pass on.
This Friday we head to Texas!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)