South Of The Border Essentials Mexican Pizza Food

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER PIZZA

Steps:

• Coat two 12-in. pizza pans with cooking spray; sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide the bread dough in half; roll each portion into a 12-in. circle. , Transfer to prepared pans. Build up edges slightly; prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake at 425° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, yellow pepper and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in refried beans, salsa, chilies and chili powder; heat through. , Spread over the crusts; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 6-7 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Top with tomatoes and lettuce; serve immediately.

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER ESSENTIALS: CHORIZO SPICE MIX

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. The proportions listed are enough to flavor 1 pound of pork, beef, or chicken.
• 3. What is Chorizo? A lot of sausages use the name chorizo, but the most well known (and can be found in well-stocked grocers around the country) are Spanish and Mexican. The Spanish variety uses diced pork and is cured for a long period of time. The Mexican version (the one we are making) uses ground meat and spices and is traditionally ready in about 3 days. This recipe creates awesome chorizo, and can be used right away.
• 4. Uses for Chorizo • Stirred in with scrambled eggs. • Sautéed up with potatoes and spices to make Mexican hash. • Used to make tacos, enchiladas, and queso dip. • Mixed in with a bowl of red beans and rice. • Add some to ground beef and make a Mexican meatloaf. The possibilities are endless... Have some fun with it.
• 5. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 6. Add all of the dry spices together.
• 7. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, pork, or beef.
• 8. Add the ground spices, the baked garlic, and apple-cider vinegar, then mix together. I like to use my hands.
• 9. PLATE/PRESENT
• 10. Use immediately with your favorite Mexican recipes or freeze for later use. This is my version of a Mexican meatloaf. Enjoy.
• 11. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER ESSENTIALS: GUAJILLO SAUCE

Steps:

• PREP/PREPARE
• You will need a stand blender, stick blender, or food processor, fitted with a S-blade. In addition, you will need a good heavy-bottom pot (like a Dutch oven), and a mesh strainer.
• Storage of homemade condiments and spices Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in "Weck Jars" and you will find a ton of them. If properly stored, this sauce should last 8 - 10 days in the fridge, or 5 - 6 months in the freezer.
• Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• Cut off the stems and remove as many of the seeds and ribs as possible.
• Rinse the peppers in water until clean, then drain.
• Tear them up into pieces, then cover with boiling water. Let stand for about 30 minutes.
• Add the softened peppers, and the remaining ingredients to a blender, then add about 2 cups of fresh water (it does not have to be hot).
• Blend until mixture is smooth.
• If the sauce is too thick, add some water, a bit at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Use a mesh strainer to pour the mixture into a pot. Use the back of a spoon to push as much of the liquid through mesh. Then discard the pulp.
• Bring up to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
• Continue to simmer for about 5 - 8 minutes. Then remove from the heat, allow to cool, and store until needed.
• PLATE/PRESENT
• Serve in your favorite South-of-the-Border recipes, like this yummy Mexican beef chili, or come up with something completely different. Enjoy.
• Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

EASY SOUTH OF THE BORDER BUBBLE PIZZA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium- high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain.
• Season ground beef with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• Add enchilada sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• While sauce is boiling, open biscuit dough and separate. Cut each biscuit into 8 triangle shaped pieces (like cutting a pie).
• Place biscuit dough in a greased 13 x 9 pan.
• Pour sauce mixture over biscuit dough.
• Bake for 25 minutes until biscuits are brown.
• Remove pan from oven and sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake an additional 12 minutes until cheese is melted.
• Allow pizza to cool for 5 minutes.
• To serve, cut into squares and top with your favorite toppings.