Another Way to Cook Cactus Paddles
In her Essential Cuisines of Mexico, Diana Kennedy has a good recipe called Nopales al Vapor (page 208). Instead of boiling or grilling, you pan fry with onions, garlic and...
The Rancho Gordo Blog
Nancy Z on Bobby Flay Show
My friend, tour-guide and author, Nancy Zavlavsky writes: Hey, check out the "Bobby Flay Throwdown" show Tuesday (tomorrow) night on the Food Channel, where I'm a judge. Should be a...
Rancho Gordo in Martha Stewart Living
Oh, don't roll your eyes! You'd be excited, too if Martha decided to feature you in her magazine! It's from a nice article on regional treats, food and otherwise, across...
The Market in Cholula
Just outside of Puebla is the town of Cholula. It has a wonderful market scene that is worth checking out. On the streets, in addition to more produce, there are...
For My Friends That Don't Care for Hot Food
I know a lot of people who think they don't like spicy food. The idea of a chile is a buzz-kill for these folks. It was a long time ago,...
A Small Rant for a Hot Thursday
I used to sell beans bulk at the farmers markets. It was a pain but it looked beautiful and scooping up the beans and putting them into bags was kind...
More Uses for the Basic Chile Sauce
I had a pal over for lunch last week, only I forgot to shop and had to make due with what was in the kitchen. I made a basic chile...
An Obsession with Cactus:Like Love, It Can Really Hurt
The following is an article I wrote last year that didn't get published. I just reread it and thought it was pretty good! Some of the information may be redundant...
My Advance Copy of "The Book" Arrives
Oh wow. I received my copy of Heirloom Beans this afternoon. I'd like to tell you the skies opened and the angels sang but it was instead a nice, intense,...
Reader's Suggestions in the Kitchen
The last Rancho Gordo newsletter got a good response from readers when I said I don't really like recipes. I know it's fine for me to be happy with a...
Not Brain Surgery
Internet friend and Ferry Plaza customer Erik Ellestad writes about his recent adventures with beans: Threw a cup and a half of rancho gordo beans (I think they were RedNightfall)...
Purslane and Eggs
I was weeding yesterday and found my first purslane. The thrill will be gone very soon, I know, as I grab buckets full and dump it in the chicken pen,...