I couldn’t believe they had all these dried chiles at the store.  I have looked many times and this was the first time they had them, and it happened to be the day I wanted to use them!  These were the 2 varieties the recipe called for, but if I were to make this again, I would use a spicier variety for one of the choices.

I seeded them all.

Put them into a hot pan just to sort of wake up the flavors and add a little char.

Chunk of chuck and i look like a chipmunk

After searing all of the chiles, pour boiling water on them and let them sit for a half hour.  Add a plate to keep them sunk.

Didn’t need to dice the garlic and onions because they are going into the blender.

With some oregano

And cumin

Add the soaked chiles

And a cup of the soaking liquid.

Brown the meat.  You want a really high heat for only 5 -7 minutes.

This stuff smells great, dump it in the pan and cook for another 5-7 min.

Then dump it all into a deeper pot and add 2 cups of water.  Partially cover and simmer for about an hour.

This is the Masa Harina.  The directions are on the package, I can’t remember the amounts, but it is only this and hot water to make the tortilla dough.

mmmm.  we flattened this under a cutting board.  It wasn’t bad, but a tortilla press would have been much better.  I just didn’t think we would use it enough to make the investment at this point.

First you place this on the cooler side of the grill for 30 seconds, then flip it onto the hot side for 30.  Then flip it over (still on the hot side) and if you have done it right, it will puff up.  Nice Garfield band aid.

This is the puff I spoke of.

It said in the book to add some Masa Harina to the beef if you want it a little thicker for taco fillings.

Mandi made this guacamole.  You can see the recipe here.

Simple, authentic, delicious