Ready to spice up your weekend?
I love working with spices and I’ve found every culture has their own method to “spice” things up! There seems to be one common vegetable used all over the world! Peppers!
What makes them so spicy?
photo thanks to pixabay
Better known as pungency (hot or spicy) is that feeling you get when eating. You know the feeling, your mouth is hot, hot, hot! Most often this sensation is triggered by the presence of Capsaicin in your mouth. Take a bite of your favorite spicy food and that capsaicin binds with receptors in your mouth sending a message to your brain signaling …. Fire! From the mild Sweet Pepper to the hot jalapeno, all are native to Mexico and vary from sweet to dangerously hot. Did you know it wasn’t until Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492 during the Columbian Exchange that the Chili Pepper spread to Africa, Asia and Europe.
Hats off to Christopher!
photo thanks to pixabay
I have to laugh when I think about how I used to be afraid of spice. Now I’m a bit over the top about it! I’m slowly winning Mr. Bird over to my side! Tonight was such an occasion!
I’m in the mood for Chipotle!
I love Chipotle spice as a marinade as well as a dressing for salads. Let’s start by marinating chicken!
Chipotle Chicken!
- Organic Chicken Breasts
- Red or white onion (qty 1)
- Garlic (2 cloves)
- Adobo Sauce (2 tbsp.)
- Ancho Chili powder (2 tbsp.)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp.)
- Cumin (2 tsp)
- Oregano (2 tsp)
- Sea Salt (1 tsp)
Dice the onion and garlic
Grab your blender…
and add all of the ingredients to the blender bowl.
Blend until smooth!
Beautiful isn’t it? Hot enough? Taste and see if you need more spice!
Marinate the chicken...
at least 4 hours, preferably overnight! Notice I had enough for another marinate another night?
While we’re on a roll, how about Chipotle Salad dressing!
I love making my own dressings. I know the ingredients are fresh and healthy!
Chipotle Dressing
- Birds Coconut Yogurt (1/2 cup)
- Mayonnaise (4 tbsp.)
- Garlic Cloves (qty 2 diced)
- Onion (1/2 chopped)
- Fresh Lime Juice (1 tsp)
- Sea Salt (1/2 tsp)
- Adobo Sauce (1 tbsp.)
- Chipotle Powder (3/4 tsp)
So simple…
back to the blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add spice as you need. If it’s a bit too thick, feel free to add a bit of water to thin.
Perfect! Now into the fridge, ready for my next salad!
Ready for dinner? Grill those chicken breasts.
I roasted both Sweet and poblano peppers, onions, minced garlic with a dash of Olive Oil, salt and pepper.
Slice the chicken, grab your favorite tortilla shell and layer up!
Enjoy! What’s your favorite spice?
The Chipotle was a hit! Topped with plain yogurt and your favorite salsa, you can’t go wrong. Thanks for stopping by today.
And as always, blessings to you all!