Bistec Burrito

Bistec Burrito, originally uploaded by predictablyhungry.

Since having left my hometown I often find myself craving delicious Mexican food, which seems oddly difficult to find in this area. So sometimes I've just gotta try my best.

My mother makes amazing burritos, and everything put in them is made by her, from scratch (except the tortillas, which she buys at a tortilleria).

So this past weekend I went on a quest to make a similar burrito with my limited cooking skills and funds.

First I found me a Mexican mercado, the kind that I used to go to as a kid. Yelp and craigslist food forum both helped with this task. In case you're near, Mi Pueblo in East Oakland is a good start.

Unfortunately they only had fresh handmade corn tortillas, and I was looking for flour. So I purchased Tia Rosa flour tortillas. Another decent brand would be Guerrero.

I was also looking to buy delicious refried beans since I don't know how to make them yet, and canned just won't do. You want the good ones made with manteca or something similar. Stay away from canned or those made with oil (unless vegetarian) they're just not that good.

But yes, find yourself a decent mercado and you'll get all your needs for cheap. If not, a regular market has everything else.

What you'll need:
- Burrito size flour tortillas

- Bistec marinated with onions, garlic, cayenne, and cilantro (or any other meat will do). About 1 lb for 2 large burritos.

- Refried beans

- Guacamole

- 1 small can enchilada sauce

- 1 cup shredded cheese

What you'll do:
1. Cook the meat in a skillet over medium heat.

2. While the meat is cooking, make the guacamole by crushing diced avocado with a tablespoon of lime juice, 1/2 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced onion, cilantro, pinch of garlic salt, diced jalapeno (if desired) and regular salt to taste.

3. Take your refried beans and add hot sauce, if desired. Heat them up.

4. Warm up the tortilla on the stove or in the microwave (with a damp paper towel so it doesn't get hard).

5. Once the tortilla is warm, place on a plate and spread a layer of beans, top with meat, guacamole, and cheese.

6. Roll into a burrito. Place burrito on foil lined baking sheet, top with enchilada sauce, and cheese.

7. Place burrito in the oven (heated at 375 degrees) and let it heat up for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

8. Garnish with guacamole, sour cream, or whatever other fixings you like.

By going to a mercado with an in house carniceria and deli I was able to make 2 burritos at under $6 each, with leftovers available.

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Pie

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Pie, originally uploaded by predictablyhungry.

This is a great dessert for potlucks. Though, I prefer to whip it up and keep one in the freezer. It's one of those delicious desserts that you don't have to eat entirely within a few days (though it'll be hard not to!).

What you'll need:


Crust:


- 1 and 1/4 cups crushed pretzels

- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar

- 1/2 cup Butter or margarine; melted

Filling:

- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk; 14 oz.

- 1/4 cup Lime juice

- 2 tb Dark rum

- 2 tb Orange liqueur

- 1 package Strawberries in syrup; 10 oz.

- 1 cup Whipping cream; whipped

What to do:
1. Make the crust first. Start by putting crushed pretzels in a medium bowl.

2. Add sugar and melted butter. And stir until well coated (it'll surprisingly smell delicious!)

3. Press firmly into bottom of 8" (springform) pan (if you want to pop it out to display nicely. If not, a regular pan will do).
4. Chill while you make the filling.

5. Now time for the filling. Combine condensed milk, lime juice, rum and orange liqueur.

6. Beat until smooth.

7. Add strawberries, beat at low speed until well-blended.

8. Fold in whipping cream.

9. Pour over crust, freeze 4 - 6 hours or until firm.
10. For easier cutting, let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

I know the pretzels and sugar sound odd, but they make a delicious crust. I never even used to like pretzels! The rum can be substituted with tequila for a margarita flavor. To make it virgin (non-alcohol) you can substitute orange juice.