It isn’t every night a world-famous Artist of proud Mexican heritage offers to teach you an authentic dish! Ok, so it happens this is our third such meal, but who’s counting?! Bring.Em.On.
After the lovely Miriam Aroeste had led previous dinner crowds through Tortilla Soup (and yes, we crisped all the tortillas ourselves!) and Pozole, it was time for Chiles Rellenos. A dish, admittedly, I’ve actually never had before. But the other guests had and were so excited I figured it would be good!
Friends of the house-host, who, since he doesn’t have social media has been forevermore dubbed as #LesterGrandDukeofShaughnessy, invited a few other Mexican-Canadian friends who hand-painted these martini glasses! Naturally we had to test out whether or not they could ALSO work for Tequila haha. They did, but good thing we tested, you know, just in case…
My personal contribution was home-made Ocean Perch and Mexican White Prawn Ceviche. It turned out fairly well if I do say so! But definitely could have used a bit more “kick”.
Isn’t she adorable?! Miriam loves living life to the fullest – and that’s one of the many reasons I love her!
The jist of the recipe is seared Poblano peppers that are then seeded + skinned, stuffed with cheese (or meat or both!), and dredged in flour. They are then dipped in a whipped egg mixture and fried to golden perfection. Every single step looked more and more delicious!
In the meantime, a mixture of roasted tomato and onion, salt/pepper was simmered to a sauce on a separate element.
DELICIOUS! I would definitely make this again – or any time I find full-sized Poblano peppers. Not sure I’d have to patience to do mini-ones LOL. It was incredible.
The night was capped off with a private piano and flute concerto by our professionally talented house-hosts in the Salon surrounded by antiques, art and fabulous humans. I call nights at his house our “New York Moments” *sigh*… Not to mention this gorgeously caramelized Flan by Miriam!
Sometimes I’m just spoiled, but I also believe – and we all discussed – what goes around, comes around. We have all hosted each other, cooked and cared for each other, and genuinely appreciate the effort it takes to chef, teach, host and support. I welcome a great many people into my home, but the ones that reciprocate are just incredibly special to me – I know the effort, and appreciate it so very much. A night “off” cooking like this for me is a rare treat indeed, and for Miriam to walk us through one of her recipes was amazing.
SO – go ahead! Invite someone over who has hosted you, and thank them. They’re sure to love it. AND – try the Chiles Rellenos – it’s worth the effort!!
