What To Do With Those Jalapeno Peppers

If you haven't discovered the genius of Chef Rick Bayless yet, and you have peppers in your garden, now is the time to pick up one of his books and make some fabulous authentic Mexican food.  At the very least, you have to make this salsa that is so simple yet packs quite the wallop in every bite.  Here's what you need. 

-2 Jalapeno or Serrano chiles
-3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
roast these in a skillet for about 10 minutes until their skins blacken a bit

Meanwhile, place 2 large tomatoes on a baking sheet covered with foil and broil for 10 mins (flipping after 5 mins)

When cool, peel skin off tomatoes and garlic.  Now crush the garlic and jalapenos with a mortar and pestle first and then slowly add pieces of the tomatoes until they are all crushed together.  Then add:
-1/3cup chopped cilantro
-1/2 small onion, finely chopped and rinsed
-1/4 tsp sea salt

That's it!  Now if you want to get crazy you can make guacamole just by mashing 3 avocados with 1 tsp salt and add the salsa to taste. 

We had this wonderful meal of Tamales and spicy guacamole plus a summer cucumber margarita for the grown ups.  We were a happy group at dinner tonight. 

You can find recipes for these yummy tamales in Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen