Rick Bayless Food

CLASSIC GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• Cut around each avocado lengthwise, then twist the two halves apart. Remove the pit and scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados (preferably with an old-fashioned potato masher) into a coarse purée. Season the purée with salt, about 1 teaspoon. Mince the clove of garlic. Sprinkle the minced garlic with a little salt, and mash with the side of your knife into coarse paste.
• Fold in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
• Mince the green chile and add the desired amount to the bowl. Chop the tomato and add to the bowl. Mince the onion (you should have about a third of a cup) and rinse under cold running water in a small mesh strainer. Shake off the excess water, and mix into the avocado.
• If you aren't serving the guacamole immediately, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole and refrigerate. For best results, make the guacamole within 2 hours of serving and serve in batches.

MEXICAN-STYLE SHRIMP COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Bring 1 quart (1L) of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and let the water return to a simmer and poach for an additional minute or two. Scoop the shrimp out and place onto a rimmed baking sheet and chill 30 minutes. The shrimp can be made a day in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
• For the sauce, stir together the ketchup, lime juice, the Mexican hot sauce, olive oil and cilantro in a large bowl. This step can be completed a day in advance, stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• In a small strainer, rinse the onion under cold water, then shake off the excess liquid, and add to the sauce. Peel, dice and add the jicama; dice and add the cucumber. Stir in the chilled shrimp and the avocado right before serving.
• Garnish with lime and serve with tostadas, chips, or saltine crackers.

SALSA BY RICK BAYLESS

Steps:

• In a food processor put the green chili and the garlic clove and mince.
• Roughly chop two of the tomatoes and add to the food processor along with the cilantro. Pulse 7-8 times.
• I next usually remove the top of the food processor and use a spoon to push down any of the ingredients that have gone up the side of the food processor. Put the top back on and pulse a few more times or until you have the desired consistancy.
• Pour the ingredients into a serving bowl.
• Finely chop the remaining two tomatoes and add the tomatoes and green onions to the serving bowl.
• Add 1-3 teaspoons lime juice or vinegar and a generous amount of salt. Stir until everything is well blended.
• Let the salsa marry in the fridge for about an hour if desired, before serving.
• The cooking time is the chilling time in the fridge.

RICK BAYLESS SHREDDED BEEF

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the meat with 2 quarts salted water, about 1/3 of the onions, and half of the garlic and simmer until the meat is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Strain, reserving the broth for another use. When the meat is cool enough to handle, shred it into coarse strands with your fingers or 2 forks--don't worry that there are bits of onion and garlic mixed with the meat.
• Wash and dry the saucepan, set it over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. When the oil is hot, add half of the remaining onions and cook until golden, about 6 minutes, then stir in the remaining garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes and chiles and cook until most of the juice has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in the shredded meat and simmer for a few more minutes, then taste and season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt. Remove from the heat.

DRUNKEN PINTOS WITH CILANTRO AND BACON (RICK BAYLESS)

Steps:

• BEANS:.
• Sort and rinse the beans thoroughly. Scoop into a 4 quart saucepan.
• Add 5 cups water; remove any beans that float.
• Add the cubed pork (or extra chopped bacon) and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and gently simmer, partially covered, until tender, about 2 hours.
• Stir gently occasionally, and keep water level a good 1/2 inch above the level of the beans.
• FLAVORINGS:.
• In a medium skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon but leave behind the drippings.
• Pour off all the drippings except 2 Tablespoons.
• Return pan to medium heat.
• Add the onions and chiles and fry until deep golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Scrape the onion mixture into the beans; taste and season with salt.
• Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
• If the beans seem soupy, boil over medium heat until they are the consistency of a nice brothy bean soup.
• You can also take 1/4 of the beans and run them through the blender with a bit of broth, then return to pan.
• Just before serving, stir in the tequila and cilantro.
• Serve in warm bowls topped with the crumbled bacon.