Texmexpeppervodkainfusion Recipes

ALL-PURPOSE TEX-MEX VEGGIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together the corn, jalapenos, red onions and bell peppers.
• In a separate bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and crushed red pepper. Mix together with a fork.
• Heat half the oil in a very large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the veggies and sprinkle with half the seasoning. Cook until blackened bits start to appear, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet; repeat with the other half of the oil, veggies and seasoning. Return the first half of the veggies to the skillet and add the black beans and green chiles. Stir and continue cooking for 3 minutes. Use immediately or allow to cool, then package in smaller freezer bags or containers and freeze.
• To reheat, add 2 teaspoons or more of olive oil (depending on the quantity of vegetables) to a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the desired amount of frozen vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, 5 to 7 minutes. The veggies can be used in a number of ways. Here are some serving suggestions.
• For soft tacos: Lay a warmed fajita-size flour tortilla on a board. Pile on 1/4 cup cooked taco chicken, top with 2 tablespoons shredded iceberg, 1 tablespoon grated Cheddar and a big spoonful of the Tex-Mex veggies.
• For veggie taco salad: Slice 1/2 head each of iceberg and romaine. Mix and spread the lettuce out on a platter to make a bed for the salad. Arrange 1 cup of the Tex-Mex veggies all over the lettuce. Sprinkle over 1/4 cup cotija cheese, dot on 1/4 cup salsa, top with 2 tablespoons sour cream and sprinkle over 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves.
• For quick quesadillas: Melt 2 tablespoons salted butter in a cast-iron skillet; add 1 burrito-size sun-dried tomato flour tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup of the Tex-Mex veggies, then a second tortilla. Cook for a minute, then flip and cook on the other side until the cheese is melted. Remove to a cutting board, cut into quarters and serve with 2 tablespoons pico de gallo, 2 tablespoons guacamole and a sprig of fresh cilantro.

TEX-MEX SEASONING MIX

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: about 6 tablespoons., To prepare dip: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream and 4-1/2 teaspoons seasoning mix. Serve with corn chips. Yield: about 1 cup., To prepare chicken: Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the process cheese, sour cream and milk. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until cheese is melted. Add the chicken, beans, tomatoes and 2 tablespoons seasoning mix; heat through., Drain noodles; add to sauce and toss to coat.

TEX MEX PEPPER VODKA INFUSION

Steps:

• Use a large, clean glass container (at least 1.5 liter) with an airtight lid for your infusion.
• Save your original bottle as you will need it to strain the infused mixture into.
• Strain with a wire mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
• Place the chili's in the large glass container, add vodka and cap tightly.
• Let stand at room temperature for 48 hours, shaking gently once or twice a day.
• Taste for the preferred flavour and heat intensity, allowing it to infuse for up to 2 more days if needed. No longer though or it will turn bitter.
• Strain the infused vodka back into the original bottle. Cap tightly, label and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Salud!

TEX-MEX DIP

Steps:

• Spread bean dip on a 12-in. serving plate. In a small bowl, mash avocados with lemon juice, salt and pepper; spread over bean dip. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and taco seasoning; spread over the avocado layer. Sprinkle with cheese, olives, onions and tomato. Serve with tortilla chips.

TEX-MEX SPICE MIX

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
• Sprinkle to taste on beef, chicken, potatoes, corn, popcorn, etc.