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A Classic Mexican Dish: Picadillo with Flour Tortillas

In almost every Mexican household, you’ll find the heartwarming and delicious dish of Picadillo. It’s a staple that brings comfort and flavor to the table. Today, we’ll share with you a recipe for Picadillo, accompanied by homemade flour tortillas.

Ingredients:

For Picadillo:

  • 2 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 to 2 lbs ground beef
  • 3 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 can of green beans (optional)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 Serrano chiles, chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (add more if needed)
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano (rubbed between palms)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3 tips paprika
  • Pepper to taste

For Flour Tortillas:

  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • 1 cup of vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup of warm water

Cooking Instructions:

Making Picadillo:

  1. Heat the EVOO in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks.
  3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped Serrano chiles to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cubed potatoes, and optional green beans. Mix well.
  5. Season the mixture with kosher salt, garlic salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.
  6. Cover the skillet and let the Picadillo simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  7. Serve the finished Picadillo with warm flour tortillas.

Making Flour Tortillas:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Add the vegetable shortening and use a pastry cutter or your hands to incorporate it into the flour until crumbly.
  3. Slowly add the warm water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for a few minutes on a floured surface until it becomes elastic.
  5. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  6. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
  7. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, or until golden brown spots appear.
  8. Keep the tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve.

Now you have a delicious homemade Picadillo, filled with flavorful ingredients, and accompanied by freshly made flour tortillas. It’s a dish that will warm your heart and bring the flavors of Mexico straight to your table. Enjoy!

Bonus Recipe: Brown sugar caramel pound cake 

The aroma of freshly baked cake, the rich caramel drizzle, and the satisfying sweetness of brown sugar – these are the elements that come together in the irresistible Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake. This delectable dessert is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and the delightful experience that this cake offers.

Ingredients

The beauty of the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Here are the key components:

  1. Butter: 1 ½ cups of softened butter form the base of the cake, lending a rich, creamy texture and a buttery flavor that is quintessential in pound cakes.
  2. Brown Sugar: A combination of 2 cups of light brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar provides the cake with its distinctive sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
  3. Eggs: 5 large eggs add moisture, structure, and richness to the cake batter.
  4. Flour: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, combined with baking powder and a pinch of salt, give the cake its structure and texture.
  5. Milk: 1 cup of whole milk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
  6. Toffee Chips: A delightful addition, a bag of toffee chips (such as Heath) adds bits of toffee goodness, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the cake.
  7. Pecans: Chopped pecans, 1 cup, provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.

The Preparation

Creating this heavenly cake involves several straightforward steps:

  1. Preparing the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare a 12-cup Bundt pan by either spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it and dusting it with flour.
  2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy. Add the brown and granulated sugars, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Adding the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps create a smooth and even texture.
  4. Combining Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
  5. Adding Toffee Chips and Pecans: Stir in the toffee chips and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Baking: Spoon the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for approximately 85 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the cake comes out clean. To prevent excessive browning, you can cover the cake with foil while baking.
  7. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

The Caramel Drizzle

No Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake would be complete without its signature caramel drizzle. Here’s how to make it:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking for 8 minutes until the caramel thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for 5 minutes before using.

The Experience of Enjoyment

Slicing into a Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a moment of sheer delight. The cake’s texture is perfectly tender, with the toffee chips adding pockets of sweetness and the pecans providing a satisfying crunch. The rich and buttery flavor of the cake pairs seamlessly with the luscious caramel drizzle, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate.

In conclusion, the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. With readily available ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, it delivers a dessert that is both delicious and satisfying. This cake is a delightful addition to any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a special celebration.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that brings together the goodness of brown sugar, the allure of caramel, and the comfort of a classic pound cake, consider whipping up this easy and budget-friendly masterpiece. Share it with loved ones, savor each bite, and relish in the delightful experience that is the Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake.