I spend quite a bit of time researching new and unique ways
to use vegetables in my everyday diet and once Fresh and
Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and
More by Deborah Schneider came across my table I knew I'd
be set for life in this category.
I really enjoy using tomatoes and peppers in nearly every
dish I prepare, be it authentic Mexican or even Indian cuisine, I love to use
these 2 items. They bring out the flavors of every other ingredient without
overpowering the recipe. They add a rich, creamy base and texture and expand
the meal 2-fold.
One of my all time favorites in this book would have to be
the "SALSA CASERA" [PAGE
24] mainly due to it's complete versatility as a side, appetizer or
accompaniment to any dish I prepare, from any region, at any time of the day.
It's a personal recommendation for Monday Night Football games, snuggling up to
a movie night, or a spontaneous get together; I just simply whip this up and
let the dish do the talking for me.
"The typical American experience with table
salsa is too often a bland red tomato salsa with “bits” meant to be scooped up
with chips as a first course. The chips-and-salsa routine-the antojito americano- is something that Mexicans find
puzzling; it’s the equivalent of eating ketchup on crackers before you meal…
The great thing about table salsas, along with their fresh flavor, is their
versatility. These types of salsas are the kitchen’s all-purpose flavor base
for making other dishes.” [CHAPTER 1]
Another interesting aspect of this book it how it teaches
you to use salsa's and mole's as a primer for other dishes, for example there's
a section called, "SIMPLE THINGS TO DO WITH
SALSA" [Chapter 1, Classic Table Salsas] which breaks down exactly how to take advantage of something so simple as
blended tomatoes, onions and jalapeño peppers to make dips, soups, fillings and
much more. Deborah Schneider also covers
the finer point of Mole preparation and the introduction of radish and black beans
to make the ultimate meal for your friends and loved ones.
