Birria

 Delicious and easy traditional Mexican roast.  One of our family favorites!

INGREDIENTS:

Beef Roast

2 garlic cloves

3 guajillo peppers

1 can whole tomatoes

1 can diced tomatoes

8 or so of “Chile bravos” also know as “Chile de Arbol” (these are hot peppers)

3/8- ½ cup vinegar (maybe a little less)

½ - 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

6 or so whole cloves

1/8 tsp (about 19 kernels) whole pepper

1-1  ½  tsp oregano

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

½ cinnamon stick

1/3 Mexican chocolate tablet (such as “Abuelita” or “Ibarra” brand)

Salt to taste

3 bay leaves

Cut roast into several large chunks and place in crockpot.  Boil or microwave the guajillo and chiles de arbol peppers to soften them.  If microwaving them, do it for 1-2 minutes (you do not need to use a lot of water). Throw the rest of the ingredients (except for bay leaves) in the blender (including the soften peppers) and blend for a few minutes.  Pour sauce over meat and throw bay leaves on top.  Cover and cook on high heat for 4-6 hours.  Serve with chopped onion and cilantro on top.

Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding)

This is my mom's Mexican bread pudding recipe.  This is not only delicious but it also makes your kitchen smell fantastic!  You will note in the ingredients that some ingredients are optional.  My mom always adds them but my kids are not big fans of raisins so it's not a must to add.  The same with the dates, but I think they are a great addition.  I also substituted honey for the sugar, but either one is fine.  A definite must try!

INGREDIENTS:

5 Bolillo rolls (You can also use french bread, about a loaf or loaf and a half)

2 tbs vanilla

1 cup chopped dates (optional)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

3 eggs

1/2 cup melted butter

1 cup raisins (optional) 

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup sugar or honey

5 cups of milk

sprinkles ;)

Rip the bread into large chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.  In the blender mix: vanilla, eggs, butter, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and some of the milk.  Pour mixture on top of the bread.  Add dates, coconut, raisins and the rest of the milk.  Add the milk slowly.  You want everything to be pretty moist, if 5 cups of milk is not enough to moist all of the bread then add some more.  Once everything is well mixed, place mixture in a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Sprinkle top with sprinkles! Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit for about an hour or until set.  Enjoy!