Chilled Red Gazpacho

July19

When summer comes, two things are certain: it’s hotter than a firecracker lit from both ends and there’s a big ‘ol pitcher of Chilled Red Gazpacho in my fridge.

Chilled Red Gazpacho - This is a perfect way to use up fresh tomatoes when they’re in season.

Gazpacho is a chilled vegetable soup from Spain. The word gazpacho originates from the Latin word caspa, which means “little pieces,” or something like that.  Chilled soup might sound a little strange if you’ve never enjoyed one.

But there are five good reasons why cold soups, like Chilled Red Gazpacho, are becoming so popular

  1. They’re easy to make. Most can be done in a blender or food processor.
  1. All the vegetables (or fruit!) that you’ll need are usually in season, so you can enjoy them anytime of the year.
  1. They’re the ultimate “grab-and-go” snack or meal. Fill a covered tumbler or mug with this deliciousness and sip away!
  1. They’re made with vegetables (and fruit!) so you know you’re doing something good for yourself.
  1. They’re the perfect make-ahead meal. Double the recipe and you’ll have something for dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow and a little bit left over as an appetizer for guests.

There are many types of Gazpacho, but the most familiar is this recipe for Chilled Red Gazpacho, made with fresh tomatoes. This is a perfect way to use up fresh tomatoes when they’re in season. And, if fresh tomatoes aren’t available, use canned San Marazano tomatoes. ONLY San Marazano tomatoes.

I like to serve the Chilled Red Gazpacho with finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red and green bell peppers and toasted bread croutons.

 

Chilled Red Gazpacho - Gazpacho is a chilled vegetable soup from Spain. The word gazpacho originates from the Latin word caspa, which means “little pieces.”

 

Use fresh tomatoes when making this Chilled Red Gazpacho

Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo

November19

Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo-Mama's High Strung

This started off as a healthy recipe: spaghetti squash, roasted red pepper and a little garlic.

But then, without warning, it took a luscious turn for the delicious.

Suddenly, it became a rich and decadently creamy dish loaded with flavor: Spaghetti Squash with Alfredo Sauce. I threw in some roasted red peppers for even more WOW.

Okay, so the sauce has a little bit of fat in it. So what?! You’re saving carbs by serving it with the spaghetti squash instead of pasta. And it’s gluten free!

Yep… I’ve always been able to justify all kinds of bad behavior.

 

Cheesy Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas

May2

Empanadas Pic

Ditch the salsa and chips and make something really authentic for your Cinco de Mayo party: Cheesy Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas.

What makes an empanada the real deal? Well, way, way back in the 1500’s when Spain invaded what would much later become Mexico, they planted wheat. Lots of wheat. This was the only grain accepted by the Roman Catholic Church for communion wafers (corn was for the lower classes). With all that wheat on hand, the Spanish began making bread and other favorite foods, like empanadas.

By the way… the word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means to wrap or coat in bread. Okay. History lesson over.

Climb out of that guacamole rut and try these Cheesy Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas. Best part? There are a lot of shortcuts in this recipe. I used store-bought rotisserie chicken and Goya’s Puff Pastry Dough for Turnovers (you can usually find these in Hispanic markets or larger supermarkets).

There’s a step-by-step tutorial below the recipe. Super easy and super delicious… and muy autentico (that means very authentic!).

Tutorial: Cheesy Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas

1. Gather your ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I pulled mine off a store-bought rotisserie chicken); 12 ounces chorizo (Mexican sausage); 8 ounces Chihuahua cheese; 1 package Goya Puff Pastry   Dough for Turnovers, thawed; 1 egg, lightly beaten; chopped cilantro or parsley (optional). (I forgot the egg in this image, but you need an egg).

Ingredients for Empanadas

2. Remove enough meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make 2 cups; set aside.

Remove enough meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make 2 cups; set aside.

3. Heat chorizo in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking up meat with a spoon. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently.

Cook Chorizo

4. Remove from heat and drain on a paper towel.

Drain Chorizo on a Paper Towel

5. Add drained chorizo to chicken and mix.

Add Chorizo to Chicken and Mix

6. Spray a kitchen grater with anti-stick cooking spray.

Spray Grater with Cooking Spray

7. Grate Chihuahua cheese; set aside. (You can also buy shredded Chihuahua cheese.)

Grated Chihuahua Cheese

8. Place oven rack in middle of oven. Heat oven to 375°F.

Heat to 375 degrees

9. Separate thawed dough round on work surface. Roll out each one slightly to make them easier to fold.

Roll Out Goya Puff Pastry Dough

10. Spoon meat mixture and cheese evenly onto center of each of the 12 dough rounds.

Divide chicken, chorizo and cheese evenly between 12 empanada wrappers

11. Brush edges of dough with beaten egg.

Brush Egg around edges of Empanada

12. Fold dough into half-moon shape. Press down edges with a fork or twist edges gently to seal. (I tried both.) The fork is easier, the twist is prettier (sometimes).

Fold and Seal Empanada

13. Place empanadas on baking sheets spaced 1-inch apart. Brush tops of empanadas with remaining beaten egg.

Brush with Beaten Egg1

14. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and filling is hot. Top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

Cheesy Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas


Plated + Served: Kale and Portobello Mushroom Lasagna

July16

Didn’t think it was possible, but Mama finally got Miss Picky-Nicky to eat kale.

Okay, okay…  the kale was layered between earthy Portobello mushrooms, creamy ricotta cheese and melty mozzarella. But this is the point: she ate it and loved it.

And so will you… and any Picky-Nicky you’re feeding!

Kale for Sale at the Farmers Market

 

 

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Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com