We don’t usually think about grilling pickled peppers, but for some reason they turn out great. Just remember not to over-grill the peppers or they may blacken on the outside. Note that although some commercial cherry peppers are called “hot” by the manufacturers, they are usually rather mild. This recipe is reminiscent of the wonderful canned stuffed jalapeños from Mexico–in fact, this recipe works with pickled jalapeños as well.
Chorizo Criollo (Chorizo Sausage from Argentina)
These delicious sausages have a counterpart all over Latin America. The ingredients can vary widely; some recipes call for saltpeter, some use all pork, some include spices such as cloves and cinnamon, and still others prefer vinegar or wine. I have included this rather traditional recipe from Argentina utilizing the famed ajà p-p, the “bad word” chile; for a substitute, use pure hot red chile powder, such as New Mexico Chimayó. In Argentina, these sausages are almost always included at an asado–a barbecue. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.
Sichuan Pepper-Salt
This recipe and others can be found in the following article: The Tongue-Numbing “Flower Pepper” of Sichuan Province by Kimberly Dukes
Sundried Tomato Pesto Sauce
For as much as I absolutely love great pesto, I’m always looking for a way to do it differently. This sundried tomato version from Central isn’t just great on pasta, it also works well on sandwiches in my opinion. Try it for yourself and see!
Peppery Popcorn Candy
This recipe combines two of my favorites—chile and popcorn. Adjust the heat of this candy by the type of chile you use. Make with New Mexican for a mild heat, cayenne for more fire and chile de arbol for somewhere in between. Don’t use microwave popcorn because of its salt and fat content.
Grilled Peach Halves Stuffed with Cheese and Chipotle Raspberry Puree
Stolen Appropriated from Dave DeWitt’s Perfectly Pungent Peaches article at Central, these grilled peaches stuffed with cheese and chipotle raspberry puree are a tasty surprise to spring on your guests at your next barbecue. Do not peel the peaches. The chipotle chile adds a nice hint of heat and smoke to this spectacular way to end a great meal off …
Avocado-Tomatillo Sauce
Tart tomatillos, hot jalapeños, fresh lime, and sweet honey, all bound together with the creaminess of avocado, make this one a favorite sauce. Try it with any rich fish, like swordfish, salmon, mackerel, or bluefish.
