McCain Likes Mesquite Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwhich

Mesquite bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich
MAKES 4 SERVINGS

16 thick-sliced mesquite- smoked bacon strips, about 1 pound

4 (6x4-inch) pieces focaccia, ciabatta or other rustic-type bread about 2 inches thick (cut pieces from large loaf)

8 red-leaf lettuce leaves

2 large tomatoes cut into 16 1/4-inch thick rounds

½ cup mayonnaise

Cook bacon in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until just crisp, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.

Halve each 6 x 4-inch piece of ciabatta horizontally; lightly toast. Spread about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on each slice of ciabatta.

Top 4 of the slices of ciabatta with lettuce leaf, then with 4 slices of tomato, 4 slices of bacon and finish with lettuce leaf. Place mayonnaise side of remaining 4 ciabatta slices on top of lettuce. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately.

Obama Likes Sopa Azteca

Sopa Azteca
MAKES 6 SERVINGS

1 large dried pasilla chile, stemmed, seeded

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium white onion, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, peeled

8 cups chicken broth

1 large epazote sprig, optional

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 avocado, pitted, flesh scooped out, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1½ cups shredded Mexican melting cheese (Chihuahua, quesadilla or asadero) or Monterey Jack or mild cheddar

4 cups roughly broken tortilla chips

½ cup Mexican crema, sour cream or creme fraiche

1 lime, cut into 6 wedges

Quickly toast the chile by holding it with tongs an inch or two over a gas flame, turning for a few seconds until its aroma is released. Alternatively, toast the chile in a dry pan over medium heat, pressing it flat for a few seconds, then flipping it over and pressing it again.

Break the chile into pieces. Place it in a blender along with the tomatoes and juice; set aside. (A food processor will work, although it won't completely puree the chile.)

Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 7 minutes. Remove pot from the heat. Scoop up the onion and garlic with a slotted spoon, pressing them against the side of the pan to leave behind as much oil as possible; transfer to the blender. Process until smooth.

Return the pot to medium-high heat. When it is quite hot, add the tomato mixture and stir nearly constantly, until thickened to the consistency of tomato paste, about 7 minutes. Add the broth and epazote, if using. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt, about 1 teaspoon.

Just before serving, add the chicken to the simmering broth. Meanwhile, divide the avocado, cheese and tortilla chips among the serving bowls. When the chicken is done, usually about 5 minutes, ladle the soup into the bowls. Garnish with a dollop of crema. Pass the lime separately.

Article From Topolobampo, Chicago Sun times July 22nd 2008

Not Obamas' Presidential Guacamole

8 avocados
1 Tsp Lime Zest
4 lemons, juiced
7 shallots, chopped fine
1 t. black pepper
1 T. salt
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped fine
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

Halve and pit avocados and scoop out flesh into a bowl. Mash to desired consistency and mix in remaining ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 45 minutes before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips.

This Recipe is from the Laura Bush White House Recipes and has some added ingredients to give it more zing!

Khal Bi Ribs

Ingredients:

4 lb short ribs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/8 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger root
1/4 cup minced green onions
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Procedure:
Have butcher cut meat into 1 1/2 to 2-inche pieces. Butterfly ribs by cutting parallel to bone to within 1/4 inch of opposite side; open to lay flat. Score meat on both sides. Combine remaining ingredients. Marinate meat in sauce for 4 hours. Broil 3 inces from unit in electric oven for 3-5 minutes on each side