Queso Fundido on the Grill

Grilling and good food is my passion that is why today I want to share with you an easy recipe to prepare queso fundido using your grill at home. Queso fundido is basically melted cheese that in the Mexican culture we eat as an appetizer alongside warm tortillas. Sometimes we do the queso fundido with chorizo, other’s just the cheese. Looks complicated but it is not!  This post was compensated and developed in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and the California Milk Advisory Board though all opinions are my own.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups of  grated Jack cheese from Real California Cheese
• 2 poblano peppers roasted and cut in strips or juliennes
• 2 serrano peppers
• Cooking non-stick spray
• Chips or warm tortillas

Preparation time: 15-30 minutes. Approximate cost per portion (serves 2) $4.00 depending on ingredients market price. You will need a clay bowl appropriate to cook at high temperatures and of course a grill.

How to prepare queso fundido on the grill

Spray non-stick cooking oil to your clay bowls, this will allow the cheese not to stick on the bottom. Then add 2 cups of the the grated cheese in each bowl and top with poblano strips and serrano chiles cut in halves. Turn on your grill let it get to 400 degrees, place the bowl and close the grill for 5-7 minutes. Open and check again, when cheese is bubbling is ready to serve.

This dish is very popular in Mexico, it is one of those that you will find on the menus on many local taquerias and is a treat welcomed by all. As an immigrant I always crave for my Mexican cuisine flavors and having brands that cater to my culture is very important.

Queso Fundido done with Real California Cheese

California produces more than 25 varieties and styles of Hispanic-style cheeses bearing the Real California Cheese seal, which certifies they are natural cheeses made in California exclusively from California milk. Using Hispanic California dairy products is an easy way to elevate everyday meals and add an authentic touch. Many California dairy products are sold nationally and most California dairies are family-owned. When you look for the Real California Milk seal you know that your dairy products are made from 100 percent California milk from California’s over 1600 dairy families.

California Milk Advisory Board

That is why I invite you to try Real California Cheese and prepare this is a delicious appetizer in your  next family gathering.

Pizza Friday at The Martin’s

Who doesn’t like pizza, this Italian dish has become internationally known  and a favorite for many worldwide; at the Martin’s household we like pizza and enjoy it Friday night to celebrate the end or a hard working week with a nice glass of wine and a fresh salad. You would think it is very difficult to do but it is not when using your resources and taking advantage of what your local supermarket and bakery have to offer, this is what you will need…

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of pre-made pizza dough (you can find it fresh at your local supermarket’s bakery section)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
• 1 Roma tomato cut in rounds
• 1/2 small onion cut in rounds
• 1/2 cup of shredded Italian cheeses (mozzarella, Romano, Parmesan)
• 1 bunch of fresh basil cut in juliennes
• Olive oil, pepper, oregano and salt

Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cost per person $1.00 depending on ingredients local market cost. Serves 4 people. You will need an oven (preferably convention oven type) and a pizza pan.

Take the pizza dough out of the bag and make a round using your hands; pretend you are a pizza professional by flipping from one side to the other that helps expanding the dough and create the perfect round, don’t be intimidated have fun while doing it.

In a pizza pan place the dough and spread the tomato sauce evenly with a spoon, sprinkle oregano, salt and pepper, add the shredded cheese and place the tomato and onion rounds; drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes at 210 F or until golden brown.

Serve hot and garnish with freshly cut basil juliennes, drizzle some olive oil and pair with a salad  of your choice, while savoring a glass of your favorite wine.

Pizza is a very personal thing, if you prefer other ingredients you can replace with pepperoni, ham, salami, mushrooms you name it. The ingredients I used for this recipe were basically what I had inside my fridge and in my vegetable garden that day.

Make it your own, be creative and start the Pizza Friday tradition at your home!

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Nothing better than a hassle free dinner that only requires for you to buy a rotisserie chicken, a bag of lettuce and fresh seasonal fruits from your favorite supermarket. This recipe is dedicated to all women that juggle many roles including being mom, friend, provider, lover, confidant and everything that makes our family happy and healthy.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 rotisserie chicken
• 1 bag of field greens
• 1/4 of a purple onion cut in rounds
• 1/2 cup of blackberries
• 1 peach cut in slices

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• 1 cup of olive oil
• Salt & pepper

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Serves 4 guests. Cost per person $2.00 depending on local ingredients cost.

Place the field greens in a nice plate, cut the chicken in parts and serve favorite part to each guest. Add the fruit and the onions. To prepare the dressing combine all ingredients together and drizzle on the salad. Enjoy with the family while everyone shares how their day went. Sometimes you just have to make it work and feed your family the best options available I think this easy meal could turn into a family favorite for those busy days.

Enjoy!

Grilled Shrimp Appetizer

This time of the year you can find the best shrimps and juicy mangoes that is why today I’m sharing with you an easy appetizer combining the flavors of the sea and the Caribbean.

 INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 cup of fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 cups of fresh mangoes cut in cubes
• 1/2 cup of rice vinegar
• 1 meyer lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of Mexican hot sauce
• Salt and pepper

Preparation time: 30 minutes. Serves 4 guests. Approximate cost is $4.00 per person depending on local ingredients costs. You will need an oven, a pyrex, a mixing bowl and a blender.

Oven grilled shrimp with savory mango sauce

Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil and season with the Fajita seasoning, place on a pyrex or baking sheet and grill for few minutes on high using your oven. When ready the shrimps will be pink that is the best way to know they are ready. To prepare the mango sauce combine all ingredients together in the blender until getting a thick sauce. For serving add some sauce in the bottom of the cocktail glass and then place the shrimp in the rim.

This appetizer is great to serve in any party!

Chilled Strawberry Soup

Strawberries are such a beautiful and sexy fruit, and recently had the chance to pick my own organic strawberries at Wish Farms in Duette, FL and came up with this idea that is great for special gatherings. Chilled soups are sophisticated and provide that unexpected surprise when entertaining that is why today wanted to share with you a version of sweet and salty soup that I’m sure you will love.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pints of fresh organic strawberries
• 3 cups of orange juice
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil
• 4 slices of  fresh goat cheese
• 4 slices of crunchy grilled prosciutto
• 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper

 Preparation time: 15 minutes, serves 4-6 guests. Cost per person $2.00 depending on local ingredients cost.  You will need a blender.

Chilled Strawberry Soup Sweet and Salty

Clean the strawberries and place them inside the blender along with the basil and the orange juice and blend for few seconds, condiment with salt and black pepper, serve on a bowl and garnish with a slice of goat cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a slice of crispy prosciutto. To grill the prosciutto use a baking sheet and your oven on high, when golden brown the crispy strips will be ready to enjoy. This soup is very nice addition for any menu, if desired a vegan or vegetarian option do not serve with the ham or prosciutto.

Happy eating!

Carne Asada #SteakOver

Grilling tradition runs deep in my family, grew up enjoying “carne asada” with the family after Sunday mass and when a big soccer game was happening. We would all gather around the grill, tell stories, laugh and be together as a family. Today I’m the Chief Griller of the household and want to celebrate those memories by sharing this traditional grilled steak recipe so that you can prepare at home because we ladies rule at the grill too!

Carne Asada Ingredients

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of London Broil or flank steak Walmart Choice Premium Beef
• 1 pound of petite Vidalia onions
• 2 avocados Hass
• 3 limes
• Corn tortillas
• Green salsa
• Cilantro
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

For the marinade:

• 1/4 cup of lime juice (2-3 limes approximately)
• 1/3 cup of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground oregano
• 3 garlic cloves chopped

Preparation time: 2.5 hours. Serves 4-6 people. Cost per person $4.00 depending on local ingredients cost. You will need a grill preferably gas, with 35,000 to 45,000 BTUs, and one of those that has a searing feature for better grilling results. Prepare the marinade combining all ingredients together, add the marinade to the meat and let it rest on that sauce for 2 hours in a plastic container well sealed and inside the fridge. The London Broil is also known as Flank Steak, this meat tends to be tough that is why I recommend to marinade to get better tasting meat. In the mean time clean the onions, add some olive oil and dust with salt, cumin and pepper before grilling. Then prepare your salsa verde, to learn how to prepare click here.

How to Grill Carne Asada

When ready to grill prepare your grill by spraying grilling oil or brushing canola oil to the grilling racks to avoid sticking, let grill reach a temperature of 450 degrees F and that is your cue to start cooking the meat. London broil can get dry very fast so avoid overcooking; the trick to get juicy slices of meat is to marinade and sear them well with direct flame. You can get that with a grill that has a searing feature if yours doesn’t have one use direct flame instead and grill on both sides for 5 minutes each side on high; then move to the grilling rack with medium temperature around 400-450 degrees F and let it cook for 20-25 minutes until getting an internal temperature of 130 degrees F. Using a vegetable grilling rack grill your onions on both sides at medium temperature. When ready let meat rest in a plate for 10 minutes and then slice. Serve this dish with a side of grilled onions and prepare carne asada tacos with warm corn tortillas, drizzle with salsa verde, lime juice and garnish with cilantro and avocado Hass slices.

Carne Asada Serving Suggestion

While this cut of meat is known for its toughness when you buy good quality really makes a difference when looking for a tender juicy piece of meat at a good price. I was surprised that the quality and great price I was looking for I could find at my local Walmart store where I learned you can find the highest quality choice steak certified by the USDA for quality named Walmart Choice Premium Beef and they are so confident about this that Walmart offers a Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee and of course after you taste this steak with the my special flavors you will be back to buy more!

This March and April Walmart stores located in eight different cities will host a firefighter competition to determine who has the best steak-grilling chops in town. I invite you to join the festivities where you will be able to taste test Walmart Choice Premium steaks, sample Dr. Pepper and A.1. steak sauce, and cast your vote for the best firefighter grilled steak. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun!

The locations here these events are to happen are:

San Antonio, Texas: March 30
Walmart
5555 De Zavala Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78249
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Tampa, Fla.: April 6
Walmart
4302 W Gandy Blvd.
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Charlotte, N.C.: April 13
Walmart
3850 E Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28205
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Atlanta, Ga.: April 20
Walmart
1550 Scenic Hwy N
Snellville, GA 30078
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Kansas City, Mo.: April 27
Walmart
8551 N. Boardwalk Ave
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Houston, Texas: May 4
Walmart
111 Yale St.
Houston, TX 77007
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Indianapolis, Ind.: May 11
Walmart
3221 W 86th St
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Firefighters start grilling at noon, winner announced at 2 p.m.

Los Angeles: Week of May 20
TBD

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Walmart Stores . However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Chipotle Lentil Soup

Lentils are inexpensive, satisfying and a healthy option to consider for  the “7 Weeks of Lenten Recipe series”.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bag of green lentils (4 cups)
• 2 cups of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of finely chopped white onion
• 2 garlic cloves chopped
• 6-8 cups of vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon or dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon of canola oil
• 1 or 2 chipotle chiles chopped
• Salt  & pepper
• Cilantro or parsley leaves to garnish

Preparation time: 30 minutes, serves 10-12 people. Cost per person $0.45 depending on local ingredient cost. You will need a pressure cooker or a dutch oven for better results.

Place the pressure cooker in the stove, add the oil and fry the cumin, then add the onion and the garlic and saute for few minutes, add the tomatoes, the chipotle, oregano, salt and pepper and combine well. Then add the lentils and 4 cups of water or vegetable broth, close with the lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. When ready open the pressure cooker following the safety instructions, continue cooking at low flame and add the rest of the water and let it simmer for other 10 minutes. The consistency of the soup should be chunky. Always taste to make sure it is well seasoned. Serve in a bowl and accompany with a slice of toast and garnish with cilantro or parsley leaves.

This soup is a good source of protein and satisfying, great vegetarian or vegan option too. With this recipe I close this series where my fellow blogger friends Ericka  Nibbles and Feasts, Leslie  La Cocina de Leslie, Nicole  Presley’s Pantry, Melanie  Modernmami, Morena Peru Delights, Vianney  Sweet Life, Yvette  Muy Bueno Cookbook, Cristina Una Colombiana en California, Denisse  Ahorros para Mamá, Ely Simple y Delicioso, Jeannette Sazón Boricua, Juanita  Ahorrando Dólares, Mónica Life is a Journey, Reina Soy Mamá en Casa and Yoly Cuponeando participated publishing delicious food and wonderful ideas for Lent the last seven weeks.

I hope you enjoyed these series and that  you’re ready to celebrate Easter with your family next weekend.
Many blessings, thanks for following and happy Easter!

Black Bean Cream Soup

Black beans are delicious and a good source of protein, my mom was used to prepare for us this recipe which is an appropriate option for  the “7 Weeks of Lenten Recipe series”.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups of cooked black beans (can replace with canned beans if desired)
• 3 cups of vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 2 chicken bullion cubes (or salt if preferred vegetarian)
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil

Preparation time: 20 minutes, cost per person $1.00 depending on local ingredient costs. You will need a blender and a soup pot.

Place the beans in the blender and blend using some of the vegetable broth or water until getting a soft smooth soup base. Place the soup pot in the stove and add the olive oil, at medium temperature fry the cumin and then add the black bean paste and dilute with rest of the broth or water; add the condiments and taste. The consistency should be creamy. Let it simmer for few minutes and serve. Garnish with shredded mozzarella or Monterrey jack cheese and sour cream.  You can garnish with tortilla chips or bread croutons and corn salsa for those that prefer a vegan and or vegetarian option.

This soup is delicious and nutritious.

Garlic Olive Oil Dipping Sauce

Very simple but delicious way to savor garlic bread, try this Italian favorite as a starter.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 garlic head chopped or 3 teaspoons of garlic paste
• Olive oil
• Salt
• 1 Hot loaf of Italian bread or baguette

Preparation time: 7 minutes. Serves 4 people. Approximate cost per person $0.50 depending ingredients market price. Check for local market availability. You will need an oven, aluminum foil, mixing bowl an individual dipping sauce mini bowls.

Place the baguette or Italian loaf wrapped with aluminum paper in the over at 430oF and allow few minutes to get it warm. In the mean time add the chopped garlic or the paste to a bowl and mix with the olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Serve before dinner with freshly out of the oven bread and some wine. You can serve the garlic oil in separate dipping sauce plates for each of your guests. This is an easy and quick way of enjoying garlic bread and start an Italian feast.

Garbanzo Soup

Garbanzo soup is one of those recipes that I keep very close to my heart, my grandma was used to greet us mass with a bowl of this tasty soup; many wonderful memories and the flavors just make me feel at home. This recipe is very easy and healthy also it is an appropriate option for the “7 Weeks of Lenten Recipe series”.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cans of organic garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas)
• 1 can of chopped organic tomatoes
• 1 bag of frozen petite green peas and cubed carrots
• 8 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 bunch of washed celery leaves
• Salt and Pepper
• Cilantro for garnishing

Preparation time: 30 minutes. Serves 6-8 guests. Approximate cost per person $1.00 depending on local ingredients market price. You will need a deep soup pot.

Place your soup pot on the stove and add the vegetable broth, the celery leaves, the tomato and the garbanzo beans. Season with salt and pepper and let it simmer for 20 minutes, then add the frozen veggies and cook for other 10 minutes.  Serve hot and garnish with cilantro.

This soup is very simple and a humble dish; very light option great when having a cold or after recovering of tummy sickness. This is also a vegan and vegetarian option and when you are in the mood for eating something light and delicious.

Hoping you serve this soup to your family soon!