11/7/2011
Supercharge Thanksgiving with Some Amazingly Delicious Recipes
In Mexico, Thanksgiving is called El Día de Accíon de Gracias (The Day of Thanks) or alternately El Día del Pavo, (Turkey Day). While most Mexicans are aware that Thanksgiving is an American holiday, not many know the story behind it, and the only places it is usually celebrated is in hotels and restaurants catering to American tourists. Nevertheless, Mexico, besides providing one species of the original turkeys, has perfected several recipes that can enhance our feast day celebration without in any way making it less traditional.
The star is what I call OLD CALIFORNIA TURKEY STUFFING. Most serious cooks have a few recipes that they value above all others. They are the ones that, in spite of their ease of preparation, are guaranteed to elicit raves from friends and family. I hesitate to say anything is the best there is, but I have no problem declaring that I have never had a better turkey stuffing or, for that matter, one that is even close. And I have gotten that reaction from virtually everyone that has tried it! The medley of ground pork, several dried fruits, pecans, seasoned cornbread stuffing, and butter is simply superb!
Not far behind the stuffing — and something that goes perfectly with it — is a FRESH CRANBERRY JELLY. Other ingredients include dried apricots, orange zest, and just enough jalapeño. (I know it is just enough because you can decide exactly how much you want to add!) It is a snap to prepare and comes together in just over 10 minutes!
Last but not least is the MEXICAN-STYLE ROAST TURKEY. It differs only from the traditional variety in that it is based with a glaze of mild chiles, a bit of fruity vinegar and the sweetness of either agave nectar or honey.