Ingredients

For the chile sauce:

• 8 oz. red chile pods (e.g., red New Mexico)
• 6 c. water
• 6 tbsp. flour
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp. salt

For the pulled pork:

• 7-8 lb. pork butt or pork shoulder
• 2 1/2 c. water
• 1 tbsp. salt

For the masa:

• 2 lb. lard
• 2 tsp. baking powder, divided
• 2 tbsp. salt, divided
• 5 lb. masa
• 2-3 c. broth (from above)
• 1/2 c. red chile sauce (if making red chile pork tamales)

For the tamales:

• 6 tbsp. flour
• corn husks

Preparation

Make the chile sauce:

Remove stems, seeds, and veins from the chile pods. Place in a colander and rinse well with cool water.

Add the chiles to a large pot and add enough water so they are just covered. Bring water to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes turn the chiles over with tongs to make sure the chiles soften evenly. Drain cooked pods and allow time to cool down before blending. Discard water.

Fill blender with 3 cups of water, half of the cooled chile pods, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 cloves garlic, and half of the salt. Blend until smooth. Strain sauce through a fine sieve to remove skins and seeds; discard skins and seeds. Repeat blending and straining process with remaining water, pods, flour, garlic, and salt. If necessary, season with more salt.

Note: You can make a double batch of this sauce and keep some frozen.

Make the pulled pork:

Place pork, water, and salt in a slow cooker and cook for 6 to 8 hours. Remove, cool, and shred. As you shred, set aside the fat that you remove, if any.

Combine the cooled broth from the pork and the leftover fat in a blender, and blend. Reserve for use when making the tamale masa and filling.

Note: This will also keep, covered, for 1 week in the fridge, or freeze.

Place 1 lb. lard in a large mixer and mix until fluffy, scraping the sides regularly. Add half the baking powder and half the salt, and mix.

Add half the masa, and mix. Slowly add half the broth and half the chile sauce (if using), and mix. At this point, the mixture should be the consistency of smooth peanut butter. If not, add some more broth. Test the masa by taking 1/2 tsp. and dropping it into a cup of warm water. If it floats, it’s ready. If it sinks, add a little more lard, beat for a minute, and test it again.

Repeat those steps for the other half of the ingredients. Cover the masa and set aside.

Make the filling:

Heat 6 tbsp. of the broth in a large skillet. Add flour and cook for at least 4 to 5 minutes. Add one batch of the red chile sauce (around 6 1/2 c.) and cook for 10 minutes. Add the pork and stir. Simmer for at least 10 minutes. Let cool before making tamales.

Make the tamales:

Soak the corn husks in water for an hour before using, and rinse well. Keep them in water while you work on the tamales.

Place the wide end of the husk in the palm of your hand, narrow end at the top. Starting at the middle of the husk, spread 2 tbsp. of masa with the back of a spoon in a rectangle or oval shape, using a downward motion toward the bottom edge. Do not spread to the ends; leave about a 2" border on the left and right sides.

Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp. of your filling down the center of the masa. Fold both sides to the center. Finish off by bringing the pointed end of the husk down toward the filled end. Make sure that closure is snug. Secure by tying a thin strip of corn husk around the tamal.

Use a deep pot or tamale steamer to steam tamales. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. To test if done, try taking off a corn husk; if they come off without sticking, the tamales are done.

Muy Bueno

Ingredients

• 2 poblano chiles
• 5 guajillo chiles, seeded, stemmed and halved lengthwise
• 5 pounds bone-in beef shoulder, cut into large pieces, or goat or lamb stew cuts on the bone
• 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
• ¼ cup neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
• 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cloves
• Fresh black pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 fresh or dried bay leaves
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 limes, quartered
• Corn tortillas, warmed

Preparation

Heat the oven to 325 degrees.

Prepare the chiles: Use tongs to place the poblano chiles directly over the open flame of a gas burner set to high. Cook the poblanos until totally charred all over, turning as needed, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap so the poblanos can steam. After 10 minutes, use your fingers to pull the blackened skins away from the poblanos, then remove the stems and seeds. Roughly chop the poblanos and set aside.

While the poblano chiles steam, place a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to cook the guajillo chiles evenly in one layer, flatten the chile halves on the hot skillet and toast them for about 15 seconds, turning once. Put the chiles in a bowl and add 2 cups hot water to help soften them. Set aside.

Prepare the meat: Season the meat all over with the salt. Heat the oil in a large, oven-proof pot over medium-high. Working in batches, sear the meat on all sides until well browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side, transferring the browned meat to a large bowl as you work.

After you’ve seared all the meat, add the onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Return all the meat to the pot.

Meanwhile, add the tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, ginger, oregano, sesame seeds, cumin, cloves and a few grinds of black pepper to a blender, along with the chopped poblanos, toasted guajillos and the chile soaking liquid. Purée until smooth, scraping down the edges of the blender as needed.

Pour the blended mixture into the pot with the meat. Add the cinnamon stick and bay leaves, along with about 4 to 6 cups of water, enough to amply cover the meat.

Cover and cook in the oven until the meat is fork-tender, about 2 hours.

Divide among bowls and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top, and a side of warm tortillas.

NYT

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
• 1 cup cashews, dry roasted
• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, such as Huy Foy brand, divided
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds, plus more for serving
• 1 pound peeled, deveined medium (41-50 count) shrimp, defrosted if frozen
• 1/4 cup fine white cornmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon fine black pepper
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced or grated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger
• Steamed white rice, for serving
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions, for serving

Preparation

In a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until shimmering. Add the cashews and 1 tablespoon of the chili sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted, 3 to 4 minutes. Move the cashews to a plate, and sprinkle with the orange zest and sesame seeds. Toss to distribute the zest and seeds.

Pat the shrimp dry. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal and pepper until combined. Toss the shrimp with the seasoned cornmeal to coat. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.

Line a platter with a paper towel or a kitchen towel. In the same skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil until hot, about 1 minute. Drop a bit of cornmeal into the oil: If it sizzles vigorously, the oil is hot enough. Working in batches, fry the shrimp until golden and cooked through, about 2 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat and adding more oil, as needed. Transfer the cooked shrimp to the prepared platter when they are done.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and remaining 1 tablespoon of chili sauce until well combined.

When all of the shrimp are fried, reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over. Toss the shrimp with the sauce and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Serve the shrimp over steamed rice, topped with cashews, scallions and more sesame seeds, if desired.

WaPo

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces gin, preferably Brooklyn
• 1/2 ounce Suze
• 1/4 ounce lime cordial (see Editor’s Note), or lime juice
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• tonic, to top (preferably Q)

Preparation

Add gin, Suze, lime cordial and bitters to a chilled Collins glass. Top with ice and tonic. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Punch

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cognac Pierre Ferrand
• .5 oz Punt e Mes
• .25 oz Cranberry Liqueur Clear Creek
• .25 oz Sherry Lustau East India Solera
• 1 dash Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
• lemon peel

Preparation

Build in a rocks glass. Stir, fill with ice, lemon peel garnish.

Bittermen’s

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. grated ginger
• 2 tbsp. sugar, divided
• 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 lb. sirloin tips, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 6 tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 cucumber, quartered lengthwise, thinly sliced
• 1 firm pear, quartered, cored and thinly sliced crosswise
• 1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Preparation

In a medium bowl, stir together the soy sauce, ginger, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, the sesame oil, garlic and 1 teaspoon pepper until the sugar dissolves. Add the beef and stir to coat. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a separate medium bowl, combine the vinegar, the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in the cucumber and pear. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Heat the broiler with an oven rack about 4 inches from the heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Place the pieces on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Cook until 125° at the center for medium-rare, 7 to 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes.

Drain the cucumber mixture and transfer to a large platter, arranging it on one side. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Arrange the steak opposite the salad.

Oprah

Ingredients

• 2/3 oz. gin
• 2/3 oz. Suze
• 2/3 oz. yellow chartreuse
• 2/3 oz. lemon juice

Preparation

Combine and shake over ice. Strain and serve in a coupé glass.

CN Traveler

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice
• 2 lg. cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/3 c. olive oil
• 3 lb. lamb ribs (2 racks)
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper

Preparation

Combine the first five ingredients in a blender, and pulse on high for 1 minute until the sauce is smooth and pale yellow.

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Pour half of the sauce over the ribs and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).

Season the racks with salt and pepper and wrap individually with foil. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for three hours. Remove the foil and flip the ribs. Add extra sauce and increase the temperature to 400 F. Roast for 30 minutes, rest for at least 15 minutes, and serve with extra sauce.

Frayed Apron

Ingredients

• 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 c. (8-10 oz.) toffee bits (Skor, Heath, etc.)
• 3/4 c. light corn syrup
• 1 c. sliced almonds
• 3/4 c. coconut flakes

Preparation

Heat oven to 350F. Grease a 13x9" baking pan.

Beat butter and suar until fluffy. Gradually add flour, beating until well blended. Press evenly into pan.

Bake 15-20 minutes, or until edges lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine toffee bits and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until toffee is melted (10-12 minutes). Stir in 1/2 c. almonds and 1/2 c. coconut. Spread mixture to within 1/4" of edges of crust. Sprinkle remaining almonds and coconut over top.

Bake an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly. Cool completely, and cut into bars.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. honey
• 1/2 c. dark brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 c. water
• 6 tbsp. butter
• 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 c. (200 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 c. (80 g) rye flour
• 1 tbsp. pain d’épices spice blend
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. rum
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tsp. orange zest
• 1 egg yolk
• black currant jam (or orange marmalade)
• 3/4 c. powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter, oil, water, honey, and brown sugar, and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool while preparing dry ingredients.

In a mixing bowl, combine flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and spice blend. Stir. Pour the honey mixture into the flour and stir to combine. Add the rum, vanilla, orange zest, and egg yolk, and stir.

Butter the bottoms of a muffin tin. Fill each with batter 1/2 to 2/3 full. Make an indentation and put a teaspoon of jam inside. (Alternatively, half-fill the molds, add the jam, and then add more batter.)

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the dough springs back when pressed.

While baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. While the nonnettes are still warm and in the molds, spoon the glaze over them, letting the glaze drip down into the molds. Remove when cool.

Daring Gourmet