About Anita

Fried Potato Roasted Poblano Street Tacos

Last week by chance I came across an Instagram post of  fried potatoes and roasted poblanos. And then while speaking to my manicurist she mentions her love for fried potato & onion sandwiches. It was easy to wrap my head around fried potatoes, my Granny’s speciality. But in a sandwich? I tried the sandwich and it was pretty darn good … maybe needed a little mustard. Anyway, this got me thinking about a street taco filling. Yep! “That’s the ticket,” Granny would say.

You can use Ortega Fire Roasted Green Chiles instead of the poblanos. If you are thinking the roasting process might be a hassle it’s really not. I just use my electric burner on medium. Set the peppers right on the burner with the stem toward the outer rim of the burner to grab and move about easily, and roast all sides. It goes quickly and is safe as long as you are right there attending. Not for the accident prone. View here at my Eggplant Appetizer roasted the same way. If you wish to use the oven method follow the instructions in this post for roasting peppers, Burritos, Enchiladas and Tomatillo Sauce.

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7UP Cake

If you’re thinking this is just another pound cake you’re in for a surprise. The texture of this cake isn’t grainy or heavy … it’s perfect! Simple recipe with rich results. What more can you ask for in a cake recipe! Add glaze, berries and ice cream for a company presentation this 4th. It will be the biggest bang on Independence Day!

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Estrada’s Pepper

If you’re a fan of Estrada’s Kitchen cuisine you know the family has not published their recipes even after closing their doors in Fresno and Visalia. What I’m trying to say … the Estrada’s recipes I’ve posted are the closest I can get to the authentic without the actual recipe. I’m working off my taste memory, my brother’s and others’ too who had experienced this great food. This pepper recipe is no different. It was recently shared by an Estrada’s fan on my blog. Thank you Mort. Simply scroll down for the full quick & easy recipe.

I have a few suggestions but this recipe is great just as it is. I found the texture is more reminiscent of the original if you make ahead remove from ramekins and then reheat just before serving. Think food safety if you decide to try this. If you do reheat, 500 degrees F for just a few minutes. I used thickly shredded Mexican cheeses, about 1/4 cup per serving. One 4 ounce can of whole fire roasted Ortega peppers will be more than enough, splitting each in half lengthwise. I do remember the bottom of the original peppers being a bit greasy in the day. If this isn’t to your liking grease each ramekin over entire inside surface sparingly with crisco or lard. I used creme brûlée dishes for baking. They are the perfect size and shape. After cooling I was able to simply peel the contents out in one piece.

Try these other delicious Estrada’s Style dishes under Our Family Tradition.

Our Family Tradition

 

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Chicken Pot Pie Granny Style

Not my Granny’s! My Granny Martha could can, pickle, and preserve. Cook? Not so much! Orlando has delicious recipes from his Granny and this is one. The crust looks amazingly flaky. Wait until you see a slice of this pie! Orlando and I go way back. We both worked at the same company in Raleigh (actually Morrisville), North Carolina. He was my immediate superior and I’m afraid I gave him headaches. Medical research is beyond demanding. Taking on this job seemed like a good idea at the time. After training I would eventually work out of my home. (Be able to take care of my aging Mother.) Fuzzy slippers and PJs ’till noon … How hard could it be! I was forewarned about the 65% travel time. I just didn’t realize the 65% was in addition to 40 hours of work. Something like that! Mother was on her own and not happy! The Fresno airport had no direct flights to where I was headed. Three connections later I dragged myself into the hospital. Immediately I was on! As I’m typing here … why am I missing this job!! Ha! There were perks! Maybe mostly for my friend Ed who loved baseball. He’d meet up with me in US’s baseball towns and we’d take in a game. Houston, Boston, Raleigh-Durham, etc … Visalia not so much. I’m very proud of my work with this company. Orlando was impressive. He was busy reining in people like me and flying all over the country too.

Hope you enjoy this recipe, and I have more from Orlando! I asked for a picture of Orlando to post. He attached a video of him singing, “All I want for Christmas.” It’s not even July!

 

Use peas, or asparagus or broccoli florets with the potato, celery, carrots and onion. This is jam packed.

Make your favorite 9″ pie crust or use a store bought (2 crust in a pinch!)

 

Thank you Orlando and to your Granny too!
Photos and recipe courtesy of Orlando

 

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Blackberry Cream Cheese Tart

One of my favorite berries. This tart is three layers of deliciousness!

My mother would call any plant coming up in our yard but not purposely planted a volunteer. We had the best volunteer asparagus from the birds she would say. I’m not sure the blackberries that grew through from Dr. Smith’s (you know, a common fence) were exactly volunteer but that’s what they too were called. Dad was handy at everything. He always had time for projects. That’s what mother said. So before long the blackberry volunteers were transplanted along a newly constructed support system amongst our many walnut trees. The fruit from these vines provided pies, cobblers and jams for seasons. Definitely blackberries are my favorite … the seeds not so much. Try this recipe that has just the right amount of whole berries over a layer of seedless berry filling.

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Shepherd’s Pie

The entree was a hit! George, the meat-n-potatoes birthday guy, loved it! There are many variations to this recipe.You might add your own touch like fresh peas, chopped celery, mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes but I like this just as it is. It absolutely has an amazing flavor and it’s so very moist.

If you like meat and potatoes I guarantee you’ll love this!

Birthday cake! Delicious!

Hummingbird Cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hummingbird Cake

A request from my son-in-law. So, I looked through my cookbook library and pulled out one of my favorites, American Cake. (Thank you Ann, my daughter-in-law’s gift.) I enjoy reading the stories as much as looking over the recipes. After reviewing hummingbird cake recipes on-line this recipe looked best for my family. Oil instead of butter, no coconut (not liked by all), and the recipe was easy enough to toss together in record time.

Enjoy, it’s amazing.

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Cobbler Toppers

Berry time of year! Love this berry cobbler for breakfast. Simple topping brings this together quickly. Use on your favorite fruit filling. If you’re not into a biscuit topping take a look through my other topper recipes in this post.

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Ceramic Tiles

The project is complete! This area in my yard has come alive!  For my next project, front steps, I’d like to use Portuguese tiles. I’m having some difficulty locating a selection. Do any of you have some ideas?

If you are interested in this mosaic project please ask. I am into freestyle and all was done with the minimum of tools and supplies.


Blueberry Cream Puffs

My perfect dessert for Mother’s Day. Really simple but looks time involved, doesn’t it? The pastry comes together in 5-10 minutes, and while it bakes those 30 you can whip up the cream and cook (or not) the blueberries. Yes, some may prefer the blueberries uncooked and folded into the whipped cream. This is a rich yet light (heavenly) dessert. Add strawberries or mixed berries instead if you like.

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