Jalapeno Spread

I am obsessed with all things spicy.  I'm pretty sure I'm Mexican underneath my white ass exterior.  But anyway, I digress.

Grab some fresh Jalapenos, roast them to perfection and make it rain!  This spread goes great on just about anything.  It is also simply delicious on a big, fat spoon.  Vamanos!

Jalapeno Spread

6-8 Fresh Jalapenos

4 Cloves Fresh Garlic

1/2 Red Onion

Canola oil

Sea Salt & Pepper

Fresh squeezed Lime

Fresh Cilantro

Begin by prepping your Jalapeno Peppers.  Wearing rubber gloves is a great idea.  Chop stems, slice lengthwise and remove white ribs and seeds.  Place them in a large roasting pan along with rough chopped red onion and whole garlic cloves (remove skins from both).

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Drizzle with a little canola oil, sea salt and black pepper.  Toss to coat and roast for about 15-20 minutes or until skins blister slightly.  Turn off oven and remove roasting pan from oven.

When mixture has cooled to touch, add all to food processor along with 1 bunch fresh cilantro (wash thoroughly) and juice of a few limes.  Turn on machine and drizzle in more canola oil until desired consistency is achieved.  Serve immediately or refrigerate unused portion for up to 5 days.

Quick Cucumber Salad

1 large cucumber

1/4 red onion

2 medium carrots

2/3 cup white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/4 bunch fresh cilantro and/or flat leaf parsely (optional)

Begin by peeling cucumber, slice lengthwise and remove seeds.   Slice lengthwise again and chop into 1/8 inch slices.  Add to 1 quart mason jar.  Peel and finely slice red onion (1/4 of one small red onion is plently).  Add to jar.  Peel carrots and chop into bite size pieces.  Add to jar.  Finely chop cilantro and/or parsely and add that in, if desired.  Lastly add vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.  Secured lid tighly on jar and give it a good shake.  Allow sealed jar to sit for 15-20 minutes and shake once more prior to serving.  Makes a great topping on lettuce of choice for a quick and flavorful salad or enjoy on it's own.  Bon Appetit!