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Mango Crisp a la Mode
Mmmm… Mango… Neatly stacked packages of mango are calling to me from the freezer. I look for reasons to open the freezer door and move them around. I know. How scandalous to dream of mangos in the wintertime. Perhaps if I disguise the mangos? Wrap them in something warm… something comforting? No one will ever know…
Mangos have to be my favorite Southwest ingredient. They are perfect “just as they are.” Soft and sweet, mangos are like a peach with attitude. Tart and juicy, with a beautiful bright color, you can’t miss them in a recipe.
I spied my cast iron skillet while trying to come up with a wintery way to use these beautiful mangos. Before I knew it, I was melting a little butter and tearing open a couple packages of mangos.
“Frozen mangos?” you say. Yes. Mangos, even in season, can be a little inconsistent in their flavor and texture. I always have a bag or two in my freezer to add to the fresh ones, just in case. Frozen mangos have much the same texture as frozen peaches. Fresh is better of coarse but, any mango is still terrific.
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Smoked Gouda Grits with Roasted Jalepenos
In honor of the first day of Mardi Gras, I decided to give a smoky southwest twist to traditional cheese grits. These are so, so easy and the smoked gouda makes them so rich and smoky – seriously, I could have eaten the whole pan full! This could become one of your go-to easy pantry side dishes!
SMOKED GOUDA GRITS WITH ROASTED JALEPENOS
4 cups water
1 cup coarse grind yellow corn grits
2 jalepeno peppers
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/2 cup grated smoked Gouda cheese
Salt and pepper as desired
Bring water to a boil and then slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce to low heat and let slowly simmer for about 20 minutes, whisking frequently to prevent the bottom from burning.
While the grits are cooking, cut the jalepeno in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and lightly spray with oil. Broil about 6 inches from the heat for about 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and mince.
Take grits off the heat and stir in peppers, butter, cheese and cream cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Other fabulous looking grits by food bloggers:
Converting a Grits Hater, Al Dente
Grits with Cilantro Epazote Pesto, Herbivoracious
Shrimp with Cheese Grits, Framed
–posted by Donna
I can’t believe that Valentine’s Day is here! Right here! Right now! And I don’t have a single treat or anything for my Valentine or my kids! I have been so busy that I haven’t even gone to the grocery store! I certainly don’t have time to go shopping now.
What a relief, I do have popcorn, pretzels, a few potato chips and chocolate. Four of the Hoopes family’s favorite food groups.
I have a few minutes before everyone gets back to to the house, so let’s see what I can do.
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Southwest Flair Online Magazine
Are you are looking for a special menu to turn this Valentine’s Day dinner into a romantic, stay at home experience for two? Then, look no further! Just link onto Southwest Fair Online Magazine and you’ll find our recipes in this month’s issue. We put together a collection of recipes that are a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet and a whole lot of chocolate, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
South-of-the-Border Chocolate Cake
While you are looking through all the fashion, art and travel tips in Southwest Flair Magazine, be sure to take a look at the Chocolate Kiss Cocktail from Lon’s at the Hermosa. Lon’s is a beautiful restaurant here in Phoenix. It sits at the foot of Camelback Mountain and has gorgeous views of both the red rock mountain and the Arizona sunsets! If it comes from Lon’s, it must be romantic! I’m going to swirl my glasses with the chocolate as suggested, but change the alcohol to chocolate soda and creme anglaise and just a touch of cinnamon to keep things Southwest, of coarse!
If you’re looking for a last minute recipe for your Super Bowl party (or any party for that matter), dust off your fondue pot and get ready for the perfect retro dip. Warm bacon, gooey cheese, green chiles and it’s easy to put together… what could be better than that?
Our mom served this dip at parties when we were kids. When the party started and the guests arrived, we skipped off to bed with fingers crossed, hoping that some of the dip would be left for us to eat in the morning.
A chafing dish or fondue pot is important for keeping this dip warm. Look for one in an antique or thrift shop. If you are lucky, you might find one in burnt orange or avocado green.
Make sure you have a enough sternos to last the whole night! Oh, behave!
I haven’t tried this recipe with fake bacon. In fact, I don’t know anything about fake bacon. I just spotted Lolo’s post of a delicious looking salad using Tempeh on Vegan Yum Yum that made me think of trying it. If any of you have tried it, I’d love to hear your suggestions and tips on how to cook it.
Warm Southwest Bacon and Green Chile Dip
1 pound bacon, diced, cooked and drained
1 can diced green chiles
1 can stewed tomatoes (14 oz)
1 pound cheddar cheese, grated
2 tablespoons diced, fresh tomatoes (optional)
1 tablespoon diced green chile or jalapeno (optional)
Dice the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and fry until crispy. Be sure to separate the bacon with a wooden spoon while it is frying.
You can use the microwave, but be sure cook in small batches and cover with paper towels.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
In a sauce pan, simmer the green chiles and tomatoes together on medium high for three or four minutes.
Stir in the bacon and return to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to very low. Stir in the cheese until melted. Be careful to keep the heat on low or the cheese will curdle.
Transfer the dip to a fondue pot or chafing dish. Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and green chiles if desired.
Serve with tortilla chips or stay retro with my favorite, Fritos.
I found these fondue pots and chafing dishes online, the vendors have both online stores as well as actual retail stores so you can pick one up easily. Valentine’s Day is coming up and they are great for serving a romantic meal or chocolate dessert!
Sur La Table
Macy’s (on Sale!)
Bed Bath and Beyond
Walmart
Target
