American infused Mexican recycled recipes:Chili Relleno, Fiesta Salad & Buenuelos

A little background music adds to flavor of these recipes: Richie Valens, 1958 version of “La Bamba” and “O Donna”. My Uncle Pete has the original 45 record and an RCA record player in his workshop. Can’t beat that original sound.

Chili Relleno Casserole, 1970s

This recipe is in almost every recipe box I own. Impressive number of variations; including cardboard cutouts recipes from Bisquick boxes.

Good for brunch or light dinner. Serve with fruit and warm tortillas.

• ½ pound grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• ½ pound grated cheddar cheese
• 2 8oz. cans Ortega Chilies, Chopped
• 1 12oz.can evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 6oz. cans tomato hot sauce; substitute hot sauce or salsa of your choice.

Directions:  In a greased flat casserole, layer ½ each kind of cheese. Layer unwashed, unpitted chilies on top. Add remaining cheese. Combine flour, milk and egg. Pour over casserole. Bake 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Add sauce or salsa and bake 15 minutes more. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Corn Salad, 1980s

• 12 ounces canned or defrosted frozen corn
• ½ cup chopped green or red pepper
• 1 fresh chopped tomato
• 1 can large olives
• ½ chopped red onions
• Bunch of chopped cilantro leaves

Optional: 1 cup grated Jack or Cheddar cheese, ¼ cup chopped green onions, ½ head of lettuce, jalapeños or avocado slices.

Directions: Combine all the above with 4-6 tablespoons white vinegar, tablespoon of parsley, salt & pepper to taste. Add chili flakes or chili powder, if desired. Chill before serving.

Buenuelos, 1970s

Sandra shared this recipe with me at an international school program. Every morning, her mother made fresh tortillas, fried the extra dough pieces in hot oil and sprinkled with a sugar mixture. Experiment with chili flakes or chili powder. Fun to watch the tortillas puff up in the oil.

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
• Light oil for frying (replacing lard)
• 6 flour tortillas, cut into triangles, strips or cubes

Combine the sugar and cinnamon. Fry tortilla pieces in hot oil. Remove and drain on paper towels. Dip in sugar mixture or dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

Hardened cheeses can be softened by soaking in buttermilk. Storing cheese in a tightly covered container with a few sugar cubes will retard mold. Yummy Recipes, Marley UMC, 1968.

Clothes line Hints: After washing cotton or silk gloves, rinse them by holding them under the cold water faucet so the fingers are inflated with water. Then let them drip dry on the same line and they will dry without twisted fingers… Insert a teaspoon in the toe of your nylons when hanging them on the line to prevent blowing and snagging. Our Favorite Italian Recipes, 1974