Figuring this blogging thing out!

Well you may not be able to teach an old dog a new trick, but I certainly am learning a lot about writing a blog!
I have some friends who just moved to Guatemala, they are asking me for South of the Border recipes....so today's blog will be one of my south of the border favorites.
One of my very favorite things we ate when we lived in Mexico is Chilaquiles, usually eaten for breakfast but I could eat them for all three meals...there isn't a real recipe, it is just something everyone knows how to make, well except for us gringos. So this is the recipe I have written down that I use.
I think you will find this a fun, easy, and addicting dish.

 

Chilaquiles

(this recipe is for 1-2 people, so multiply by how many you are serving)

a big handful or two of tortilla chips, or if you are feeling in the mood make your own by cutting corn tortillas into triangle slices. Spray with pam and put on a baking sheet. Put under a hot broiler for 3-4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. you can actually cook them in oil if you like the fattier version.

about 1 c of your favorite salsa...mine is salsa quemada (recipe below)

1-2 scrambled or fried eggs

cooked pinto beans or black beans if you prefer. These are super easy to do on your own. I use my crockpot and for every 1 cup of dried beans add 4-5 cups of water. Cook on high aobut 3-5 hours, low all day. There is no need to soak. I do not add any salt or other items, just beans and water. You can add spices and salt for your recipes if you want to.

crumbled Queso Fresco, for you non Spanish speakers, this is the white crumbly Mexican cheese. you can find it at most grocery stores and at Wal-mart.

Crema Fresca, this is a Mexican sour cream. It is different than gringo sour cream, I actually think it is better. You might be able to substitute plain Greek yogurt. This is also found in most food stores.

shredded cooked chicken, if you want or have any left overs.

avocado, onion slices, olives for garnish if you want to

1. Put salsa into a skillet, warm on medium heat. Add chips and cook a few minutes, until chips are kinda soggy like,only a few minutes.
2. Place soggy chip mixture (oh, that sounds good) onto your plate. Top with scrambled egg, beans, and chicken.
3. Top with Queso Fresco and Crema Fresca
4. Top with any other garnishes.
5. Enjoy!

It really is that easy! this meal was created to get rid of the day before leftovers or tortillas, salsa, and chicken. you can be creative and use whatever you want on your Chilaqiles. This is why there really is not real recipe. :)

Salsa Quemada

3-5 tomatoes

1-2 whole onions, peeled and quartered

2-4 chilies, use your favorite variety....I like jalepeño, aneheim or poblano or a mix

6-10 garlic cloves, I like the garlic so I might add more

cilantro

salt

1. Cook tomatoes, onions, chilies, and garlic over a grill....I use a grill pan for vegies....or on the stove in a cast iron skillet, until all are slightly charred on all sides. Try to get it very charred without burning, it can be done. Cool.
2. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until everything is chopped up and blended well.
3. Add salt to taste.
4. Sometimes I add dried arbol chilies, charred as well with the tomatoes and other vegies. This adds a fun taste.