Roasted Chayotes

Ever heard of Roasted Chayotes? They’re newish to me, particularly as something to cook! In the winter I become desperate for new and interesting vegetables- especially ones that can be served warm. I was first introduced to chayote, as mirliton, via Cajun cooking, but as a member of the gourd family (they’re a squash), they’re prevalent in a lot of Central and South American cooking. I eat them most often in a very cool vinegar salad, but this application is perfect as a side with the tamales. Roasting them showcases their subtle nutty flavor in these Roasted Chayotes. Serves 4 3 pounds chayotes 1 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove of elephant garlic if you can find it or 4-5 garlic cloves sea salt Preheat oven to 400°F.   Peel the chayotes. Halve chayotes lengthwise and discard seeds. Cut into substantial wedges- think 8 per chayote. Chayotes secrete a crazy extract that is hard to wash off your hands and is likely to cause irritation. It doesn’t hurt, but it makes your skin feel tight and even a little numb. Then it looks like it’s cracking and peeling, but I think it’s just the extract still on your hands. I tried to research … Continue reading

Susan’s Mexican Pickled Vegetables

Sadly, Susan’s Mexican Pickled Vegetables is one of the Thanksgiving 2012 menu items that just didn’t get photographed, so bear with the shoddy picture and the lack of step by steps. Next time I make it, I’ll add them. Like most of my Thanksgiving Menu, the recipe is closely based on another recipe: Elvia’s Mexican Pickled Vegetables, to which my dear friend Susan introduced me. Of course, I had to tweak it a little here and a little there. I switched up the veggies to suit my preferences and changed the spice profile just a little. Susan’s Mexican Pickled Vegetables are great for any Mexican themed event- a big upside is that you can make ahead, up to a month. I set out cocktail cookies and Clementine Rosemary Margaritas along with Susan’s Mexican Pickled Vegetables, so guests could have a little something to nibble on while they awaited the first course. 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 2 teaspoons allspice berries 2 teaspoons coriander seeds ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 10 cloves garlic, peeled 1 small head cauliflower; broken into small florets 1 small head broccoli; broken into small florets 3 medium carrots, cut into ¼-inch rounds 1 large … Continue reading