Your Dry Goods Pantry

I had an excellent comment from Leslie regarding how to tame some chiles that really needs to be shared with you:  

Leslie AltamosAugust 31, 2013 at 12:41 PM

Did an in house pepper test. Yeah, my guys are always trying to prove things to one another. haha. That being said, bread, milk, cheese, chips, chocolate, etc, have been tried to tame the heat. what we discovered is a few big spoons of yogurt works really well, and really fast! :) FYI from our kitchen to yours.

I have had several emails lately wanting to know what items to keep on hand in case they want to make one of my recipes.  Here is a list of dry goods to always have in your pantry. The fruits, veggies and meats you will have to purchase as you need them.

Here is the list:

Dried:
beans - peruano or pinto, black beans

chiles – guajillo, ancho, árbol, pasilla
rice, white

Mexican oregano

thyme

bay leaves

Canned:

jalapeños en escabeche, sliced not whole

chipotle chiles in adobo

tomatillo sauce (green sauce)

evaporated milk

sweetened condensed milk

tomato sauce or puree

refried beans

media crema (table cream) boxed or canned

Bottled:

Maggi sauce

soy sauce

salsa (mild, medium or hot)

olive oil

pitted green olives

Extras:

Maria's Cookies

Lime gelatin

Chicken bouillon, powdered or cubes

Shrimp bouillon, cubes

The brands of these basics that I prefer are probably available in your area. If they are not, then pick the ones 'Made in Mexico' for authenticity.

Canned chiles or sauce: La Costeña, Herdez

Refried beans: La Sierra is wonderful plus no preservatives

Media crema: Nestlé or LaLa

The other items can be the brands you usually purchase. 

Make sure to email me if you have questions about any of these ingredients.  I want your Mexican cooking experience to be a good one!


 

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Flavored Water from Peru

A friend of mine just returned from a trip to Lima, Peru to see her daughter and son-in-law. She came back with tales of this wonderfully flavored water. The maid made this for her and she was so taken with it's flavor that she had to pass it on to me. So, thank you Teresa!

I usually make my flavored waters with citrus, limes mostly, but the combination here is so fresh that no longer will I make that boring one fruit water. Keep it in the refrigerator and when you pour yourself a glass, refill the pitcher with more water. Replenishing the pitcher each time will keep your fruit and cucumbers fresh tasting, AND they will stay fresh in the pitcher for about 5 days.

If you want to take some to a party, bbq or gathering at the park, freeze the fruit mixture in regular water and put that in your jug or better yet, a large clear glass container with a spigot. It will keep the water cold plus look amazing. You will be so clever!

All you need to make your own flavored water:

½ orange, sliced

½ cucumber, sliced

2-3 limes, sliced

2 'trees' (sprigs) of mint

Place all these ingredients in a 2 quart pitcher and add water. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes and the water will have taken on some of the lovely flavors.

Make sure to scrub your fruit and cucumbers with soap and water before you slice them. You certainly don't want any unpleasant flavors from sprays, etc.

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