Christmas Evewent with Queso and Jalapeño Ranch

Last nightI made Fidos Chili Gravy..that was world class.

Heat about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in a skillet until smoking. Add 2 destemmed seranos and 2 destemmed jalapenos; turn to brown on a few spots. Add a tablespoon of cumin seeds and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Keep the heat on high, and when the peppers start to blister, add 2 peeled tomatillos. Keep it on high heat and salt liberally, turning with tongs until they're browned all over.

When the tomatillos are soft, toss the whole thing into a food processor. Add a whole head of cilantro and 1 tablespoon black pepper, then on pulse until its chunky but saucy.

Check salt levels and allow to cool. If you want to make it creamier, add a few tablespoons of mexican creme. This goes best on pork or chicken tamales.

Avocado.

I like tamales a couple different ways.

1. Plain. If they are quality they don't always need something

2. Homemade chili, cheese, avocado crema

3. Homemade Carne Guisada some cheese and crema.

Sometimes we will opt to replace the crema with a jalapeño cream sauce from a local Tex mex joint.

Damn, I guess I know what we are having for supper later this week.

Fried egg

New Year's Eve dinner. Chicken, bean, and jalapeño & cheese tamales topped with salsa and some whipped avocado creme.

Surprised no one has said yellow mustard.

JYDog90 said:

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Surprised no one has said yellow mustard.

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When I was growing up in West Texas, a friend told me to try yellow mustard on a very unlikely target and it was pretty dang good:

Allsups burrito

So on a tamale may not be terrible.

jtp01 said:

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1. Plain. If they are quality they don't always need something

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That was my first though. Funny how many here will say the same about brisket and bbq sauce but don't feel that way about tamales.

Bruce Almighty said:

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I prefer mine with no topping.

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I agree. Really good tamales don't need any topping. However, I will every now and then use a little homemade tomatillo salsa.

nothing, or chili, or queso, or guacamole, or pico de gallo, or a hot sauce, or a salsa, or a mix of some of these.