Buttermilk-Mexican Chocolate Pound Cake

RECIPE

Prep: 15 min.; Bake: 1 hr., 10 min.; Cool: 1 hr., 45 min. Instead of using Mexican chocolate in this recipe, we developed the same flavor profile using more common ingredients--semisweet chocolate and cinnamon. If you prefer to use Mexican chocolate, look for it with the hot drink mixes or on the Hispanic food aisle.

Yield
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients
1 (8-oz.) package semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped*
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
Garnish: powdered sugar

Preparation
1. Microwave chocolate baking squares in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute and 15 seconds or until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring every 15 seconds.

2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in melted chocolate, chocolate syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan.

4. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack, and let cool 1 hour and 30 minutes or until completely cool. Garnish, if desired.

2 (4.4-oz.) packages Mexican chocolate, chopped, may be substituted for semisweet chocolate baking squares. Omit ground cinnamon, and proceed with recipe as directed. For testing purposes only, we used Nestlé Abuelita Mexican Chocolate.

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania

Speedy Black Beans and Mexican Rice

RECIPE

Prep: 5 min., Cook: 2 min. This hearty dish is the perfect answer for a meatless main-dish choice and doubles perfectly.

Yield
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients
1 (8.8-oz.) pouch ready-to-serve Mexican rice
1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4.4-oz.) can chopped green chiles
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomato, shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation
1. Cook rice according to package directions.

2. Combine black beans and green chiles in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 90 seconds. Stir in rice and cilantro. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Rice-A-Roni Express Heat & Serve Mexican Rice.

Mexican Beef 'n' Rice: Substitute 1 lb. cooked lean ground beef for black beans. Substitute 1 cup salsa for green chiles. Prepare recipe as directed omitting toppings. Serve with corn chips or in lettuce leaves, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania

Mexican S'mores

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
8 cinnamon graham crackers
8 marshmallows4 1.5-ounce milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces

Preparation
Heat broiler. Break the crackers in half to form squares. Place 8 cracker squares on a baking sheet and top each with a marshmallow. Broil until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Sandwich with the chocolate pieces and remaining crackers. Serve immediately.

Tip: Add a little zing to the Mexican S'mores for the adults: Substitute spiced chocolate bars (try the version from Vosges or Green & Black's) for the plain milk chocolate.

Nutritional Information
Calories:182 (35% from fat)
Fat:7g (sat 4g)
Protein:2g
Carbohydrate:28g
Fiber:1g
Cholesterol:3mg
Sodium:103mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania

Mexican Chicken Casserole

RECIPE

Yield
8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, divided
1 3/4 pounds skinned, boned chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup (2 ounces) tub-style light cream cheese
1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Cooking spray
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 ounce tortilla chips, crushed (about 6 chips)

Preparation
Combine broth and 1 can of chiles in a large skillet; bring to a boil. Add chicken; reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is done, turning chicken once. Remove chicken from cooking liquid, reserving cooking liquid; cool chicken. Shred meat with two forks, and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 can of chiles and onion; sauté 3 minutes or until soft. Add reserved cooking liquid, milk, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and enchilada sauce; stir well. Stir in shredded chicken; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Spoon 2 cups chicken mixture over tortillas. Repeat layers twice, ending with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and chips. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories:369 (28% from fat)
Fat:11.4g (sat 5g,mono 3.8g,poly 1.4g)
Protein:35.6g
Carbohydrate:31.3g
Fiber:3g
Cholesterol:79mg
Iron:2.4mg
Sodium:479mg
Calcium:360mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania

Mexican Meatball Soup

RECIPE

Studded with zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, our brothy soup is comforting, especially on chilly evenings. Oregano flavors both the liquid and the meatballs.

Yield
4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 small red onion, chopped
2 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
1 zucchini (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano, or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups drained canned diced tomatoes (one 15-ounce can)
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten to mix
1 cup fresh (cut from about 2 ears) or frozen corn kernels
1 tablespoon lime juice

Preparation
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and half the jalapeños and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini,1 1/2 teaspoons of the dried oregano, if using, and 1/4 teaspoon of the cumin and cook, stirring, until the zucchini starts to soften, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the broth, water, tomatoes, 1 1/4teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper; bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic, the remaining jalapeño, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon of the fresh oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the bread crumbs, and the egg. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Add the meatballs and corn to the soup and simmer until the meatballs are just done, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, if using.

Wine Recommendation: The oregano, jalapeños, and cumin here would give most wines a run for their money, but a lusty red zinfandel is spicy and rich enough to face those powerful ingredients without flinching.

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania

Mexican Chocolate Streusel Brownies

RECIPE

NOTES: Look for Mexican chocolate in Mexican markets or well-stocked supermarkets. Or, you can omit the streusel.

Yield
MAKES: 32 2-inch brownies (serving size: nutritional analysis per small brownie.)

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, cut into chunks
9 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Mexican chocolate streusel

Preparation
1. In a large bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stir butter and unsweetened chocolate until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla and almond extract. Stir in flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well blended.

2. Spread batter level in a buttered and floured 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Squeeze handfuls of Mexican chocolate streusel until it sticks together, then crumble into chunks evenly over surface of batter.

3. Bake brownies in a 325° oven until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pan on a rack for at least 20 minutes, then cut into 24 or 32 squares (if making up to 1 day ahead, cool completely, then wrap uncut brownies airtight).

Mexican chocolate streusel. In a food processor or a bowl, whirl or stir 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar until well blended. Add 5 tablespoons butter and whirl or rub in with your fingers until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Pulse in 4 1/2 ounces (about 1 1/2 tablets) coarsely chopped Mexican chocolate (some larger chunks will remain), or chop finely with a knife and stir into flour mixture. Use immediately or chill airtight for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Information
Calories:229 (47% from fat)
Protein:2.7g
Fat:12g (sat 6.8)
Carbohydrate:30g
Fiber:1.4g
Sodium:105mg
Cholesterol:50mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania

Mexican-Style Eggs

RECIPE

Yield
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients
4 6-inch corn tortillas
1 16-ounce can of refried beans or one 15-ounce can pinto or black beans
1 10-ounce can of red enchilada sauce or one 16-ounce jar salsa
2 to 4 eggs (1 to 2 per person)

Preparation
Heat oven to 250° F. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place in oven.

In a saucepan, over medium-low heat, heat the beans.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, bring the enchilada sauce or salsa to a simmer. Break the eggs into skillet. For runny yolks, leave the tops of the eggs uncovered; for firm yolks, spoon some of the sauce over the top. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Top each tortilla with some of the beans, eggs, sauce or salsa, Cheddar, scallions (if using), salt, and pepper.

Nutritional Information
Calories:512 (0% from fat)
Fat:28g (sat 13g)
Protein:20mg
Carbohydrate:47g
Fiber:10g
Cholesterol:378mg
Iron:4mg
Sodium:558mg
Calcium:153mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking lover

Grilled Mexican Corn with Crema

RECIPE

On the streets of Mexico, people line up at vendor carts to buy giant ears of roasted corn dunked in rich crema Mexicana and sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice. Crema Mexicana is similar to sour cream and can be found in many large supermarkets. If you can't find it, use low-fat sour cream.

Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 ear)

Ingredients
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 ears corn
Cooking spray
1/4 cup crema Mexicana
6 lime wedges

Preparation
Prepare grill.

Combine first 3 ingredients.

Place corn on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; cook 12 minutes or until corn is lightly browned, turning frequently. Place corn on a platter; drizzle with crema. Sprinkle with chipotle mixture. Garnish with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information
Calories:160 (29% from fat)
Fat:5.2g (sat 2.5g,mono 1.5g,poly 1g)
Protein:5g
Carbohydrate:28.2g
Fiber:4g
Cholesterol:8mg
Iron:0.8mg
Sodium:228mg
Calcium:24mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking lover

Mexican Salad with Pomegranate-Lime Dressing

For this dish, cut a small pomegranate in half, and remove the seeds from one half. Squeeze juice from the other half.

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups arugula leaves
1 1/2 cups (3-inch) julienne-cut peeled jicama
1/2 cup vertically sliced red onion
1/2 cup diced peeled avocado
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
4 teaspoons pine nuts, toasted

Preparation
Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add olive oil, and stir with a whisk. Add arugula and the next 4 ingredients (through cilantro), and toss gently. Place 1 cup salad on each of 4 salad plates. Top each with 1 tablespoon seeds and 1 teaspoon pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information
Calories:126 (44% from fat)
Fat:6.1g (sat 0.8g,mono 3.1g,poly 1.5g)
Protein:1.8g
Carbohydrate:18.7g
Fiber:4g
Cholesterol:0.0mg
Iron:1mg
Sodium:444mg
Calcium:32mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking lover

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

Yield
8 servings

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 1/4 cups water
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
4 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed French bread (about 8 ounces)
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Cooking spray
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation
Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks.

Combine bread, raisins, almonds, and butter in a large bowl. Drizzle with warm sugar syrup, tossing gently to coat. Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with cheese. Cover with foil; chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information
Calories:313 (27% from fat)
Fat:9.3g (sat 4.4g,mono 3.6g,poly 0.9g)
Protein:5.8g
Carbohydrate:52.6g
Fiber:1.4g
Cholesterol:19mg
Iron:1.6mg
Sodium:289mg
Calcium:140mg

Mexican cooking@home
by cooking mania