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    Eggs Rio Grande, New Mexican Breakfast Eggs

    June 6, 2018 By Lea Ann Brown 8 Comments

    Mexican breakfast scrambled eggs with black beans.

    This classic Mexican and Southwestern recipe adds rosemary, cider vinegar and Hatch Chile peppers to scrambled eggs to bring a whole lot of pizzaz to breakfast. This is one of our favorite and unique New Mexican breakfast recipes. With a line up of ingredients that will wow the palate. Save this one for your next hungry breakfast crowd.

    Mexican breakfast scrambled eggs with black beans.

    What are Eggs Rio Grande?

    This quick breakfast dish is made ala Southwestern with red cherry tomatoes, sweet onions, Hatch chile peppers, celery and seasoned with vinegar, sugar and rosemary. Yes, vinegar and sugar.

    If you would have said to me, “add sugar and vinegar to your scrambled eggs next time you make them” I would have looked at you like you had two heads.

    This recipe from the Albuquerque Junior League, Simply Simpatico Cookbook, asks us to do just that, and what a delicious surprise it is. It has most certainly become on of our favorite Mexican egg dishes. For your convenience, I’ve included an Amazon Affiliate Link for the cookbook if you’re interested in ordering. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small commission at no charge to you.

    It’s so good, that I’ve not only also served this for breakfast but have made it again for a quick, easy dinner. Served over warm flour tortillas and a side of black beans, it’s a great way to celebrate the flavors we love so much for an easy Mexican breakfast.

    We don’t have garden fresh tomatoes yet, but cherry tomatoes, simply halved, then quartered worked beautifully in this dish. And with beautiful sweet Vidalia Onions in our markets now, you must try this recipe before those onions are gone.

    This is very well balanced dish in flavor and in creamy texture. The onions and the peppers always make a great pair, and bringing in the celery, vinegar and sugar makes this an exciting experience.

    What we love about this recipe is that the chopped vegetables aren’t cooked with the eggs, but added at the end. Just long enough for them to warm and blend flavor into the eggs.

    Which brings a bit of a nice crunch to the dish. And why it’s important to practice your chopping skills and dice those onions and celery into small or medium dice, ¼ – ½ inch square.

    How to Make Scrambled Eggs:

    I’m of the opinion that scrambled eggs are very often over cooked resulting in a dry and rubbery texture. It’s the most common mistake in cooking the eggs.

    Scrambled eggs should be light, silky and with delicate curds. Every morning at Culinary School we made breakfast for 25. 

    One of our preferred ways to cook scrambled eggs was to simply season with Fines Herbs, (a classic French herb seasoning mix of fresh parsley, chives, chervil, and tarragon). So yes, we got plenty of practice at scrambling eggs. Here are some things I learned to help achieve the perfect scrambles eggs.

    • Use a non-stick pan
    • Two eggs per person.
    • Thoroughly blend your eggs with a whisk. Blend, don’t beat, until a uniform mixture is evident. You don’t want them frothy.
    • Gentle heat. Cook the eggs over medium-low heat and pay attention all the time to keep from cooking the eggs too quickly or too much.
    • Add butter to the warmed skillet. Let the butter come to a slight bubble and when the bubbles are gone, add the eggs.
    • With a rubber spatula stir often and gently at first so the cool eggs adjust to the pan. When the first curds appear, stir intermittently, and lift and fold the curds onto the fluid egg.
    • Continue to fold and stir until you see steam rising and the whole mixture is beginning to set. Remove from heat while they still look “wet”.

    Recipe for Eggs Rio Grande, New Mexican Breakfast Eggs:

    Mexican breakfast Scrambled eggs with tomatoes, celery, onion, sugar and vinegar served on a flour tortilla

    I hope you give this scrambled egg recipe a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating.

    Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite Mexican breakfast recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

    Explore More Southwestern Recipes

    • Hatch Chile and Bacon Quiche
    • Chicken Chile Hash
    • Potato and Scrambled Egg Breakfast Tacos
    • Baked Huevos Rancheros

    And if you love homemade Mexican flavors, and the idea of scrambled eggs with that South of the Border flair, you won’t want to miss this easy recipe for Mexican Scrambled Eggs. Or take a look at my Scrambled Egg Sandwich, made with Texas Toast and lots of Southwestern flair.

    If you’re chile pepper crazed like us, don’t miss my post on Hatch Green Chile Recipes.

    If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    Eggs Rio Grande - Mexican scrambled eggs served on a flour tortilla
    Print Recipe
    5 from 5 votes

    Eggs Rio Grande, New Mexican Breakfast Eggs

    This is a recipe for Eggs Rio Grande, a Mexican breakfast idea with a line-up of ingredients that will wow the palate. An easy Southwestern scrambled egg recipe to feed your next hungry breakfast or brunch crowd.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time12 minutes mins
    Total Time27 minutes mins
    Course: Breakfast Recipes
    Cuisine: Southwestern Mexican
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 401kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup tomato rough chopped
    • 2 Tablespoons celery chopped
    • 2 Tablespoons sweet onion chopped
    • 2 small Roasted Hatch Chile seeds and veins removed, chopped
    • ½ teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon rosemary
    • 6 large eggs
    • 1 Tablespoon Whole Milk
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 Tablespoon Butter
    • ½ teaspoon New Mexico Chile Powder or ancho chile powder
    • 6 small flour tortillas warmed

    Instructions

    • Mix tomato, celery, onion, green chiles, sugar, vinegar and rosemary and let blend while preparing the eggs. 
    • In a bowl the eggs, milk and salt and pepper. Blend gently with a whisk.
    • Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter until it bubbles. When the bubbles start to subside, Add the eggs. Using a spatula, gently move the eggs around the pan until they are still shiny and moist looking. Don’t let them over cook or they’ll dry out. Add the tomato mixture just before the eggs are set. Stir to let the mixture combine and the vegetables to warm. Remove from heat. 
    • Meanwhile, warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or a 300 degree oven. 
    • Pile the hot eggs on the warmed tortillas. Finish by sprinkling some New Mexico Red Chile Powder over the eggs and tortillas. Serve with a chile salsa if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 432mg | Sodium: 1108mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1162IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 4mg

    Mexican Breakfast Eggs … It’s what’s for a Breakfast

    Maple Syrup Glazed Grilled Chicken Breast Kabobs

    May 31, 2018 By Lea Ann Brown 9 Comments

    Maple syrup glazed grilled chicken breast kabobs served over spinach greens.

    Sticky maple glaze, a little smoky char and chicken breasts makes this an awesome recipe for grilled chicken kabobs. Four ingredients and a six minute cook time makes this an easy grilled chicken recipe for a feel special meal. These skewers cook fast, stay juicy, and work for both weeknights and backyard grilling.

    Grilled chicken kabobs with pineapple salsa.

    What Are Maple Syrup Grilled Chicken Kabobs?

    Have you ever cooked a recipe and found it so delicious that you served it three times in two weeks? We’ve had this twice for dinner and one more time to entertain dinner guests. My chicken kabobs recipe starts with a sweet salty irresistible sticky glaze.

    • Bite-sized chicken breast pieces are threaded onto skewers .
    • No marinade required, maple syrup, soy sauce and pineapple juice make an easy grilling sauce.
    • These kabobs are quick grilled until lightly charred and caramelized.
    • With prep and cook time, ready in about 20-30 minutes.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • The chicken stays tender and juicy and the sugar in the maple syrup gives the chunks of chicken a nice crisp caramelized outer coating.
    • The combination of ingredients makes for a balanced glaze. Sweet, acid, plus salt prevents a (sweet + acid + salt) prevents any one flavor from overwhelming the neutral chicken flavor.
    • Chicken breast stays juicy with proper cook time.
    • No marinade time and these chicken kabobs cook fast for high weeknight dinner appeal.

    We grill tons of chicken over the Summer months, some ho-hum-ish and some that are brag worthy. These maple glazed chicken kabobs fallsinto the latter category.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Evenly cut into bite-sized pieces.
    • Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.
    • Pineapple Juice
    • Soy Sauce: or Tamari to make this gluten free.

    How To Make These Chicken Kabobs

    Step 1: Preparing chicken and glaze to make Maple Glazed Grilled Chicken Kabobs.
    1. Step 1: Combine maple syrup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer. Cook until the sauce reduces by about one-fourth. This will take about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. In the meantime, cut the chicken breasts into 1″ to 1 ½ inch cubes, then thread onto skewers. Threading about 10 chunks of chicken per skewer will yield about seven chicken kabobs.
    Step 2: Grilled chicken kabobs served with salsa.
    1. Step 2: Heat grill to 400 degrees. Place the chicken kabobs on the grates and turn the heat down to 350 degrees. Using a silicone brush, generously baste the chicken with the Maple Soy Sauce Glaze. Cook two minutes, turn the kabobs and baste again with the sauce. Cook two more minutes. Repeat the turn and baste one more time, cooking for a total of six minutes.

    How Long To Grill Chicken Kabobs?

    Chicken pieces that are cut into small 1 inch cubes will cook quickly. If you manage the temperature correctly, they should cook in about 6 minutes. Turning every two minutes. Remember that the sugar in the maple syrup glaze will attract heat and speed things up. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and the timing is always a little different. There’s more of a chance that you’ll over cook the chicken rather than undercook. Watch them close, remove a large chunk from the end of one of the skewers and test it for an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

    Best Temperature For Grilling Chicken Kabobs

    I like to get the grill pretty hot by pre-heating to 400 degrees. That way the grates are nice and hot to impart an initial quick sear once the chicken kabobs are placed. Then turn down the heat to 350 and continue cooking. Use direct heat and watch them close.

    Tips For Juicy Flavorful Chicken Breast Kabobs

    • Chicken breasts are an easy idea for kabobs because you can cut them in large chunks which are perfect for skewering. When cutting the chicken, keep the pieces uniform in size. About 1 ½ – 2 inches will do.
    • Oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
    • Glaze or Marinate? This recipe calls for a glaze. You’ll find a more maple syrup flavor and quicker prep time.
    • Skewering: I like to press the chunks of chicken pieces together, without crushing, on the skewer, creating a snug fit. This method helps retain moisture, preventing the meat from drying out during grill time. It also allows the chicken to cook more like one larger piee, trapping juices between the pieces rather than exposing all sides to high heat. I also like how it looks for presentation.
    • Lid Open Or Closed? In between turning and glazing, keep the lid closed as much as possible and use every drop of that maple glaze. Use a generous dose of that glaze each time you turn.

    Pro Tip For Grilling With Maple Based Sauces

    • Maple syrup is very high in pure natural sugar. Cooking over high direct flame will cause the syrup to burn. Be careful.
    • Adding other liquids, in this case soy sauce and pineapple juice thin the syrup. But you’ll still need to watch for flare-ups.

    What Vegetables Go Best With Chicken Kabobs

    I’m not a fan of skewering vegetables and chicken on the same skewers. Too many times the vegetables and the chicken don’t experience even cooking resulting in undercooked vegetables and overcooked chicken. Skewer vegetables on separate skewers if you’re wanting grilled vegetables.

    • Bell Peppers, any color
    • Onion, sweet onion or red onion is popular for kabobs.
    • Zucchini
    • And chunks of grilled pineapple work well here.

    Side Dishes: Keep this Summer meal even more Summer-y by serving it with this Goat Cheese Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches. Or even a heartier salad like this one for Pea Salad with Eggs. A Summer pasta salad like this one for Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad is always a popular choice, or all-American comfort food dish like Classic Potato Salad.

    How To Serve It

    • Vegetables: Serve these chicken kabobs alongside skewers of mixed grilled vegetables.
    • Salsa: I highly recommend making a fruity salsa to compliment the chicken. Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa is an excellent choice, and is how I serve this meal. And this recipe for Chipotle Peach Salsa is another good choice. And for a more bold Southwestern feel, drizzle on some New Mexico Red Chile Sauce or Green Chile Sauce.
    • Presentation: Place chicken kabobs on a big platter lined with firm sturdy greens like fresh spinach.
    Grilled Chicken Kabobs on a white platter with fresh spinach and pineapple jalapeno salsa.

    Storage and Reheating

    • Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
    • Freezer: Chicken always freezes well. Remove from skewer and place chicken pieces in a freezer safe zip -lock style bag. Sealed well, chicken will keep for up to three months.
    • Reheating: Thaw chicken kabob meat in the refrigerator overnight. Use the microwave to gently reheat. The 50% power feature is your best friend. Reheat individual portions in 30 second increments at 50% power until warm. You don’t want to re-cook them, or they’ll dry out. You can also reheat in a 200 degree oven for about 15 minutes.

    FAQ’s

    Are Chicken Kabobs Good For You?

    Chicken is a lean meat, no carb protein. Serve these chicken kabobs with vitamin and mineral packed vegetables and you’ve got a very healthy meal.

    Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

    Absolutely yes. And with no changes to this recipe. Tip: Due to their texture, boneless skinless chicken thighs are harder to cut. Place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm the meat before cutting.

    Can You Use Pancake Syrup Instead of Maple Syrup?

    Please don’t. You’ll have much better cooking results and flavor results. Pure maple syrup simply works better for caramelization.

    Can I Bake These Instead Of Grill?

    Don’t have an outdoor grill? Use your oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil. Bake for about 6 – 8 minutes, flipping and basting three times. Turn the oven to broil for 1 minute per side to encourage caramelization. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.

    Explore More Grilled Chicken Recipes:

    • Pollo Asado recipe.
      Authentic Pollo Asado Recipe (Mexican Grilled Chicken)
    • Wilted spinach salad with grilled chicken tenders in a salad bowl.
      Grilled Chicken Wilted Spinach Salad
    • easy grilled chicken kebabs on a platter garnished with lettuce
      Ancho Chile Lime Marinade for Grilled Chicken
    • Southwestern grilled ground chicken burgers served with watermelon.
      Grilled Southwest Ground Chicken Burgers, Juicy and Flavor Packed

    And if you’re looking for even more grilling ideas, don’t miss my Grilling Category. You’ll find some mighty fine recipes. Including a manageable method to grill a whole chicken, by cutting the chicken in half for perfect Grilled Half Chicken. With a flavorful chicken rub and a tangy mob, this is a delicious grilled chicken recipe.

    If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    Grilled chicken kabobs with pineapple salsa.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Maple Syrup Glazed Grilled Chicken Kabobs

    This is a an awesome recipe for grilled chicken kabobs that are basted with a maple, soy sauce glaze. Four ingredients and a six minute cook time makes this an easy grilled chicken recipe for a feel special meal. These skewers cook fast, stay juicy, and work for both weeknights and backyard grilling.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course Chicken
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 7 skewers
    Calories: 219kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into uniform chunks
    • For the Maple Syrup Basting Sauce:
    • ½ cup Maple Syrup
    • ¼ cup Soy Sauce
    • ¼ cup Pineapple Juice
    • One Recipe For Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa

    Instructions

    • Combine maple syrup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice in a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer. Cook until the sauce reduces by about one-fourth. This will take about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
    • In the meantime, cut the chicken breasts into 1" to 1 ½ inch cubes, (mine are never exact) then thread onto skewers. Threading about 10 chunks of chicken per skewer will yield about seven chicken kabobs.
    • Heat your grill to 400 degrees. Place the chicken kabobs on the grates and turn the heat down to 350 degrees. Using a silicone brush, generously baste the chicken with the Maple Soy Sauce Glaze. Cook two minutes, turn the kabobs and baste again with the sauce. Cook two more minutes. Repeat the turn and baste one more time, cooking for a total of six minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees. You can remove one of the pieces of chicken from the skewer and test the internal temperature by placing the probe of a digital read meat thermometer into the center of the chicken.
    • Serve with Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa. Use a spoon to sprinkle salsa over pieces of chicken.

    Notes

    I highly recommend serving this with a fruity salsa: Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa
    I like to use metal skewers. They’re simply easier and transfer heat better to the center of the kabobs. If using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 minutes before use.
    Tips For Success: 
    • Chicken breasts are an easy idea for kabobs because you can cut them in large chunks which are perfect for skewering. When cutting the chicken, keep the pieces uniform in size. About 1 ½ – 2 inches will do.
    • Oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
    • Glaze or Marinate? This recipe calls for a glaze. You’ll find a more maple syrup flavor and quicker prep time.
    • Skewering: I like to press the chunks of chicken pieces together, without crushing, on the skewer, creating a snug fit. This method helps retain moisture, preventing the meat from drying out during grill time. It also allows the chicken to cook more like one larger piee, trapping juices between the pieces rather than exposing all sides to high heat. I also like how it looks for presentation.
    • Lid Open Or Closed? In between turning and glazing, keep the lid closed as much as possible and use every drop of that maple glaze. Use a generous dose of that glaze each time you turn.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 7g | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 560mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

    Maple Glazed Chicken Kabobs … They’re What’s For Dinner

    Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua

    May 26, 2018 By Lea Ann Brown 14 Comments

    Mexican chocolate sauce with Kahlua served over vanilla ice cream topped with a raspberry.

    This is  a recipe for a Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce that gets a kick of goodness from Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and a hint of spice from New Mexican chile powder. It’s an adult version of a chocolate treat to use as an ice cream topping and beyond. An easy recipe that’s big with gourmet feel.

    Mexican chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream topped with a raspberry.

    What You Can Expect From This Recipe

    When I think of chocolate and Mexican food, a savory mole sauce comes top of mind. But how about a Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce spiked with Kahlua that makes a great topper for ice cream, churros and beyond.

    Did you know that cacao was first cultivated by the people of Mexico? Which makes it easily fall under the Mexican Food category. It was used as a bitter drink enjoyed by the elite in society. We spent one whole day in Culinary School learning about the history of Chocolate, tasting chocolate, and of course cooking with chocolate.

    This Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua was one of our creations, a rich, creamy, and slightly fiery twist on traditional chocolate sauce. Infused with red chile powder-like the earthy New Mexico Chimayo variety-and a splash of Kahlua, this spicy chocolate sauce delivers bold flavor in just ten minutes.

    It's far superior to anything store-bought, thanks to rich unsweetened chocolate and cream, gently melted using a double boiler or a simple stovetop setup.

    Not overly sweet, this Kahlua sauce is deeply chocolatey with a subtle kick, making it perfect for drizzling over ice cream or sneaking by the spoonful for a simple treat. Best of all, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three months, so dessert is always just a spoon away.

    What Is Kahlua?

    Kahlua is the secret ingredient that sends this Mexican Chocolate Sauce over the top. But what is it? Directly from the Kahlua website, Kahlua originated in Mexico in 1936. It’s a rum and coffee liqueur which is used in a range of different drinks from coffees to cocktails. Caramel in color, Kahlua boasts a deep rich flavor of real black coffee and indulgent sweet butter. Classic cocktails like the White Russian, Espresso Martini and Black Russian wouldn’t be the same without it.

    With that said, let’s take a look:

    What’s In Mexican Chocolate Sauce

    Ingredients to make spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce.
    • Chocolate: For this recipe, I’m using unsweetened chocolate, which I can readily find on the baking aisle at the supermarket. Mexican Chocolate has sugar and cinnamon added. If you can find it, and want to use it, please note you’ll end up with a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
    • Sweeteners: We’ll add white granulated sugar and light corn syrup.
    • Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is preferred by chefs due to it’s pure salty flavor. Salt is a flavor enhancer and adding it to this Spicy Chocolate Sauce will make the chocolate taste less bitter.
    • Red Chile Powder: For a spicy kick of heat.
    • Butter: Butter adds fat for a creamier texture.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Step 1: Unsweetened chocolate squares to make Mexican Chocolate Sauce.
    1. Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate. Ghirardelli unsweetened chocolate is a rich dark chocolate that comes in a flat bar that has been scored. Separate the chocolate into squares.
    Step 2: Cooking the Mexican Chocolate Sauce Ingredients.
    1. Step 2: Cooking The Chocolate Sauce: You’ll need a double boiler pan, or use two pans to create a homemade double boiler. Place all of the ingredients in the pan that you’ll use for the top pan.
    Cooking Mexican Chocolate Sauce in a double boiler pan.
    1. Step 3: Cook The Sauce: Fill the bottom pan ⅓ of the way with water and bring it to a simmer. No need to boil as you don’t want water splashing into the sauce. Place the pan with the chocolate sauce on top, so it doesn’t touch the bottom of the bottom pan. Cook, stirring constantly until sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, done!

    How To Make A Double Boiler With Two Pots

    A double boiler set up is essential when warming up temperature sensitive ingredients that require gentle indirect heat. Like this chocolate sauce. Hollandaise sauce is another good example. All you need is a medium sized pot and a heat proof metal mixing bowl, or smaller sauce pan that can hover over the water.

    I see no reason so spend the lofty price of a double boiler when it’s easy to create the cooking process with two pans. And this is how we learned how to do it in Culinary School. I happen to own two Le Creuset pans that are the perfect size to make a double boiler situation. My 7-quart acts as the bottom pan, and my 3-quart as the top pan. It works perfectly because the smaller pan fits perfectly on top without touching the bottom of the bigger pan.

    Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Desserts

    Drizzle this Mexican Chocolate Sauce over:

    • Vanilla ice cream is our favorite way. And try it on Snickerdoodle or Cinnamon Ice Cream.
    • A slice of pound cake or Angel food cake.
    • Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
    • Fresh Strawberries or any fresh fruit. Bananas work very well here.
    • Drizzle it over Cream Cheese Flan.
    • And don’t forget about the traditional way to serve Mexican Chocolate Sauce: As a dipping sauce for Churros.
    • I’ve even put a teaspoon of this sauce in my morning coffee.

    Storage

    • Store Mexican Chocolate Sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. May I suggest a glass container so you can see it’s rich chocolate flavor every time you open the refrigerator door?
    • For longer storage freeze in ice cube trays and thaw individual portions as needed.
    • To Reheat: To warm sauce, set jar in a pan of hot water over low heat. Or microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until you reach the consistency you like.
    Storing Mexican Chocolate Sauce in a glass container.

    Variations

    The beauty of this Kahlua sauce is that you can make it as spicy as you want. Increase or decrease the amount of red chile powder to make it your own.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I Make This Sauce Non-Alcoholic?

    Easy. Simply omit the Kahlua liqueur.

    How Can I Use This Sauce In Savory Dishes?

    While this is primarily a dessert sauce, experiment by adding a bit into your favorite Tex-Mex style Chili recipe. My son always adds chocolate or chocolate sauce when making chili. A method he learned at a Santa Fe Cooking School. And, next time you’re making a pot roast, glaze it with this sauce, then shred the meat and use for Shredded Beef Tacos. It will bring a Mole vibe to Taco Tuesday.

    This Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua brings a fusion of sweet, spicy, and boozy flavors to your next dessert and it’s versatile. Whether drizzled over desserts, stirred into drinks, or used as a dip, it will become a go-to chocolate sauce.

    Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce in a class bowl with a copper stand. Topped with a fresh raspberry

    Looking for more Chocolate Dessert Recipes?

    • Mexican Chocolate Cake
      Mexican Chocolate Cake with Toasted Pepitas
    • Mexican Orange Chile Brownies
    • Chocolate mint brownies with green frosting and drizzled chocolate glaze
      Chocolate Mint Brownies With Hershey Syrup
    • dark chocolate banana bread recipe baked in a cast iron skillet
      Cast Iron Skillet Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

    And if you’re looking for more Mexican themed desserts, don’t miss this recipe for Gelatina con Tres Leches, Mexican Jello, kids of any age go crazy over this one.

    Mexican chocolate sauce over vanilla ice cream topped with a raspberry.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua

    This is a recipe for homemade chocolate sauce that is perfect to drizzle on Vanilla Ice Cream. This Mexican Chocolate Sauce gets a kick of goodness from Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and New Mexican chile powder. An adult version of a chocolate treat to use as an ice cream topping and beyond.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Southwestern Mexican
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 4 ounces Unsweetened chocolate Ghirardelli is readily available on the baking aisle.
    • 2 Tablespoons Butter salted or unsalted
    • ¼ Cup Light corn syrup
    • ¼ Cup Granulated white sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon New Mexico Red Chile Powder Start with ½ teaspoon and taste for your heat tolerance. You can always add more. I always add 1 teaspoon. Or ancho chile powder.
    • ½ Cup Kahlua Liqueur
    • ¼ Cup Heavy cream

    Instructions

    • Prepare the chocolate: Ghirardelli unsweetened chocolate is a rich dark chocolate that comes in a flat bar that is scored. Separate the chocolate into squares.
    • Fill the bottom of a double boiler with a few inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer. No need to bring the water to a boil, you don't want water to splash into the chocolate sauce. In top of a double boiler combine all ingredients. Lower the top pan into the bottom pan without letting the top pan rest on the bottom of the bottom pan. Cook, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    • Serve over pound cake or vanilla ice cream. 
    • To store, pour into a jar and cover. Sauce keeps in refrigerator up to 3 months. To warm sauce, set jar in a pan of hot water over low heat. Or microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until you reach the consistency you like.

    Notes

    Tips For Success: How To Make A Double Boiler With Two Pans
    I don’t see any reason so spend the lofty price of a double boiler when it’s easy to create the cooking process with two pans. And this is how we learned how to do it in Culinary School. I happen to own two Le Creuset pans that are the perfect size to make a double boiler situation. My 7-quart acts as the bottom pan, and my 3-quart as the top pan. It works perfectly because the smaller pan fits perfectly on top without touching the bottom of the bigger pan.
    All you need is a medium sized sauce pot and a heat proof metal mixing bowl, or smaller pot that can hover over the water without touching the bottom of the bottom pan.
    This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of Chocolate Sauce.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2cups | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 361IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 3mg

    Spicy Mexican Chocolate Sauce with Kahlua … It’s What’s for Ice Cream

    Homemade Fresh Cherry Pie

    May 14, 2018 By Lea Ann Brown 7 Comments

    Homemade fresh cherry pie with lattice crust topping.

    Nothing says Classic American Comfort Food like Fresh Cherry Pie. This is the best cherry pie we’ve ever tasted, using fresh cherries and a beautiful pie filling that seems absolutely perfect in every way. A classic, a family favorite and a homemade pie that you can be very proud of.

    We all love fruit pies, don’t miss this recipe for Peach Pie Using Canned Peaches. It’s a treat of a fruit dessert to enjoy year round.

    Homemade fresh cherry pie with lattice crust topping.

    Before We Talk Pie, Let’s Talk Homemade Pie Crust:

    “And her biggest pet peeve was people who didn’t make their own pie crust.” The words stung. Me, her only daughter front and center at my mother’s funeral, guilty of her biggest pet peeve. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Since I had been doing plenty of the later, I found myself chuckling inside. Right then and there, and from that moment on, I made a vow to learn how to make a great pie crust. I had to! I owed it to myself and my mom.

    Oh sure, I’ve made pie crusts. Let me rephrase that, I’ve fought with pie crusts. So losing that battle found me in the “lazy” category buying store bought crusts.

    Fast forward two years later, and many hours spent in the Pastry Kitchen at Culinary School. I’ve learned to make pate brisee, the original and full-proof French recipe for tart and pie crust dough. And I learned it from one of the best Pastry Chefs in Denver, Chef Jenna DiLullo  My husband is now referring to me as the “Queen of Tarts,” and I’m feeling very proud about the whole thing.

    You can find the recipe for a classic French and perfect pie crust using butter right here on my site. This is a classic recipe that yields a beautiful flaky pie shell.

    No matter what time of year, I'm always a sucker for warm fruit desserts; pies, tarts, cobblers, you name it, if it's fruity with a crust or crunch, it's got my name written all over it! I used to think peach pie was my absolute favorite…until now…until this cherry pie came into my life.

    This cherry pie recipe calls for fresh cherries. I purchased bing cherries, a sweet cherry, that worked beautifully. You’ll need a cherry pitter to make this project bearable. They work quite well and turns the job into a breeze.

    The Secret to Making A Great Fruit Pie:

    Not only is this the best tasting cherry pie, the cherry pie filling is perfect in texture. A combination of tapioca starch and corn starch makes a thick base for the filling that holds up to any fork. Combined with fruit juice it forms a translucent gel that feels silky and light. And the science involved with the correct combination of sugar and starch is important not to disturb the pie crust and keep it nice and flaky. This recipe insures that all of the right ingredient combinations keep us from having a soggy, runny end result. It all boils down to the proper ratio of sugar and starch for proper gelatinization.

    This recipe comes from the masters, the Culinary Institute of America. It’s from the book that my pastry chef instructor used quite often in class and is the one which she acquired because that’s where she attended culinary school.

    Recipe for Fresh Cherry Pie:

    Fresh cherry pie with homemade lattice pie crust in a 9 inch tart pan.

    I hope you give this Fresh Cherry Pie a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite pie recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

    Variations for this fruit pie recipe:

    • Blueberry Pie: Substitute an equal amount of blueberries for the cherries
    • Apple Pie: Substitute an equal amount of peeled, cored and sliced apples for the cherries
    • Peach Pie: Substitute an equal amount of peeled, pitted and slices peaches for the cherries
    • Nectarine Pie: Substitute an equal amount of peeled, pitted, ands slices nectarines for the cherries

    More All American Dessert Recipes

    Nothing says “Church Supper Dinners” like these old fashioned recipes.

    • A slice of peach crumble pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
      Classic Peach Pie With Canned Peaches
    • Cherry delight dessert served on a white plate.
      Old Fashioned Cherry Delight Dessert
    • A slice of old fashioned pineapple cake made with crushed pineapple.
      Old-Fashioned Pineapple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
    • A stack of orange slice bars with orange slice candy
      Old Fashioned Orange Slice Bars Recipe

    If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

    And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

    Fresh cherry pie with homemade lattice pie crust in a 9 inch tart pan.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Fresh Cherry Pie

    The best fresh Cherry Pie Recipe. A recipe from the Culinary Institute of America.
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time45 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 244kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • ½ ounce Tapioca Starch
    • 1 ounce Cornstarch
    • 6 fluid ounces Cranberry Juice or equal parts water and cranberry juice, or apple juice
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg or ⅛ teaspoon dried nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
    • 5 ounces Sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 pound, 8 ounces Pitted Cherries
    • 1 ounce Butter
    • 1 recipe All Butter Double Pie Crust
    • egg wash as needed

    Instructions

    • 1 Recipe All Butter Double Pie Crust. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion ⅛ inch thick and line the pie pan or tart shell. Refrigerate the shell for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, dock the shell with a fork, sides and bottom.
    • Combine the tapioca and cornstarch with just enough of the fruit juice to make a slurry.
    • Combine the nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon juice, sugar, salt and the remaining fruit juice and bring to a boil. Add the slurry and return the mixture to a boil, sitrring constantly. Add the cherries and bring to a boil once again. Add the butter and gently stir it in until melted. Cool completely.
    • Spoon the filling into the pie shell. Brush the rim of the dough with egg wash.
    • Roll our the remaining dough ⅛ inch thick and place it over the filling. Or with a pastry wheel, cut the shell into strips for a lattice topping. Crimp edges to seal.
    • Bake at 425 degrees just until the crust is lightly browned. About 45 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

    Fresh Cherry Pie … It’s What’s For A Summer Dessert

    Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hot Dogs

    May 12, 2018 By Lea Ann Brown 25 Comments

    Chicken apple sausage hotdogs served with fried cubed potatoes.

    This is a recipe for Chicken Apple Sausage Hot Dogs that appeared on an Ina Garten episode for an outdoor grilling brunch party. Chicken and apple sausages are drizzled with an amazing mayo and mustard dressing that makes this a delicious chicken hot dog brunch idea.

    Chicken apple sausage hotdogs served with fried cubed potatoes.

    Breakfast hot dogs.  Awhile back I watched Ina Garten putting on Sunday brunch outdoor extravaganza grilling party and promptly bookmarked her chicken sausage breakfast hotdogs to try soon.

    I couldn’t think of a better time to give this a try than the beginning of grilling season, a Memorial Day grill-a-thon. First I made and served these up with some spicy country fried potatoes, which I pan cooked before I cooked the sausages and covered in foil to keep them warm.

    Meanwhile out on the grill were the sizzling apple flavored chicken sausages waiting to be drizzled with the star of this meal…Ina’s Mustard and Mayo sauce . It’s a luxurious white creamy mayo, sour cream mixture with a hint of tangy mustard. This sauce would make a shoe taste good. On a beautiful sunny Memorial Day morning was a perfect holiday meal. And an easy one at that because the brand of chicken sausages I used are pre-cooked. All they need is a good browning to heat through.

    There are so many chicken sausage flavor combinations for us to experiment with these days. Whole Foods carries a nice variety and right now, Costco sells Sabatino’s Chicken Apple Sausage and Smoked Mozzarella with Artichoke and Garlic Chicken Sausage. I always try to pick up these different flavor combinations to experiment with, and we’re loving the Chicken Apple most. A nice flavor combo for our liking. And they’re pre-cooked which makes them an easy meal option, they brown up nice with some impressive grill marks, and they’re low-sugar, gluten-free, nitrite-free and relatively low in fat.

    The sauce for these sausage dogs calls for sour cream, so before I share the recipe, let’s talk about that. A couple of months ago when posting a recipe that included sour cream, I received an email from Cathy over at Noble Pig saying  “all sour creams are  not created equal”.  Hmm…never really thought about it. She continued that she always buys the high quality Tillamook brand.  I did indeed buy Tillamook and the difference between it and the run of  the mill product from Safeway was  like night and day …and only for about a dollar more. It had a consistency comparable to Greek Yogurt and a creamy richer flavor that was simply divine.

    My advice … spend the extra buck or two for quality. It will make a difference in your recipes. Not to mention that baked potato = ohmy.

    Disclaimer: Sabatinos and Tillamook probably don’t know I'm alive and they have never paid me or given me samples to write about their products. Ok, with that said, back to the breakfast.

    Looking to host a grilled brunch party, these chicken sausages are an easy way to go. Serve them with:

    • A big beautiful pitcher of fresh orange juice
    • A bowl of creamy scrambled eggs with rosemary and capers
    • Savory Cast Iron Skillet Potatoes
    • Smoked Salmon Platter
    • Fruit Salad or a Fruit Trifle
    • Grilled French Toast Kabobs

    Recipe for Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hotdogs

    Ina Garten Grilled chicken apple sausage breakfast hotdogs with a mayo and mustard dressing and spicy country fried potatoes

    If you’re looking for chicken apple sausage recipes, I hope you give this one a try.  And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating. Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite grilled sausage recipe, let me know, I'd love to give it a try.

    If you’re looking for more unique hot dog recipes, you won’t want to miss this one for Hawaiian Hotdogs.

    And if you’re interested in more breakfast grilling recipe ideas, take a look at this recipe for Zesty Grilled Ham.

    Chicken apple sausage hotdogs served with fried cubed potatoes.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Chicken Apple Sausage Breakfast Hot Dogs

    This is a recipe for Chicken Apple Sausage Hot Dogs that appeared on an Ina Garten episode for an outdoor grilling brunch party. Chicken and apple sausages are drizzled with an amazing mayo and mustard dressing that makes this a delicious chicken hot dog brunch idea.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Breakfast Recipes
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 701kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 6 Chicken Apple Sausages Good Quality and pre-cooked
    • 6 Hot Dog Buns
    • 1 ½ cups Mayonnaise
    • 3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons Whole-grain mustard
    • ⅓ cup Sour cream
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Whisk the mayonnaise, mustards, sour cream and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside while you cook the chicken sausage. 
    • Heat a grill, or a stove-top grill pan over medium high heat. Add chicken sausages and cook 3 minutes per side. Or until heated inside and you’ve got some good grill marks.

    Notes

    Buy chicken sausages that are pre-cooked.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 701kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1672mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg

    Ina’s Chicken Apple Sausage Hot Dogs…They’re What’s For Breakfast.

    ** this is an updated post from June of 2010. Same great recipe, with updated and much better photos.

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    I'm Lea Ann

    Welcome to my Colorado kitchen. If you're a fan of rustic homestyle cuisine, you've come to the right place. I'm a Culinary School Grad with a passion to inspire you to cook as often as you can. I offer reliable, approachable and easy to follow recipes. So grab that skillet and let's cook.

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