Cactus Cornbread Food

CACTUS CORN MUFFINS

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in buttermilk and chilies; mix well. Combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Fold in corn and cheeses. Fill well-greased cactus-shaped or regular muffin cups with about 1/3 cup batter., Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

ARIZONA CACTUS AND BEANS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and carrots; cook and stir until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
• Stir cactus, chili powder, garlic, fenugreek seeds, coriander, and cumin into the potato mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until cactus is softened, about 5 minutes. Add pinto beans; cook, stirring gently, until just heated through, about 3 minutes.

CACTUS CORNBREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F
• Grease and flour an 8" square baking pan.
• Briefly cook nopalitos in boiling water with baking soda until they turn from bright to dull green.
• Drain well and set to the side.
• Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
• Add egg and milk; combine well.
• Add oil and mix well.
• Fold in corn kernels and pre-cooked nopalitos.
• Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes (a wooden pick or knife inserted in center should come out clean).

FRIED CACTUS STRIPS

Steps:

• Remove all needles and spines from cactus pads. Slice into 1/2-in.-wide strips. Wash thoroughly; drain and pat dry. Set aside. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. In another bowl, lightly beat eggs and milk. Combine the bread and saltine crumbs, chili powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt; set aside. Dredge cactus strips in flour mixture, shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture. , In a deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry strips until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with picante sauce.