I’m b-a-a-c-k!!
Yes, I know there has been an empty seat at The Table for a couple of weeks – between two trips, a new job and getting my oldest off to school it seems I haven’t had a spare moment to think let alone cook – and it has made me just a little crazy!!!!
So the other night I actually had a little time to cook…. and with a refrigerator full of Hatch Chiles from Melissa’s Produce I was itching to get into the kitchen!!!
But first.. I needed a DRINK!
Lately, I’ve seen a few jalapeno infused drinks on menus and I thought “Hmm… what about using Hatch Chiles to infuse a drink?”
So, I decided to find out.
And I liked it… a lot.
In thinking about this drink, two different approaches came to mind. One entailed steeping the Hatch chiles in my “spirit of choice” and the other was to muddle the Hatch chile with the drink ingredients. Since it was going on 5PM I opted for the latter (not having the time to wait for the first because as I said, “I needed a drink!”). So I muddled.
And created what can best be termed a “version” of a margarita on the rocks. (Yes, I know I am stretching the term here a bit but all the creative “juices” went into the creation of this drink and not the nomenclature…).
The flavor of the Hatch chiles was subtle and I definitely think the flavor would be more pronounced if the chiles were steeped in say, tequila or vodka. Started a batch steeping so when it’s ready I will let you know!
Speaking of Hatch chiles did you know we are right in the middle of the season??? In case you missed it, it IS Hatch chile season right now!!!
Related to the Anaheim chile, Hatch chiles are only grown in Hatch, New Mexico. The warm days, cooler nights and volcanic soil of Hatch, New Mexico infuse these chiles with a floral, herbacious note giving them a lovely, rounded flavor with just the right amount of heat without the bitterness that many other chiles have. They are a bit meatier than other chiles which makes them easier to roast and skin and once roasted you can freeze Hatch chiles to enjoy all year – which is good since their season is very short!!!
Even though these wonderful chiles are only grown in New Mexico, they are now available all over thanks to the efforts of Melissa’s Produce. I’ve included a list of upcoming “chile roasts” where you can get Hatch chiles already roasted – perfect for popping in the freezer to enjoy all year round! If you can’t make it to the chile roast, or can’t find them in your local market, don’t hesitate to contact Melissa’s Produce to find out where to find the chiles in your area OR simply order some for yourself – here’s a great tutorial from my friend Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious to get you started!
Wondering what else you can make with Hatch Chiles?
Here are some other recipes to get you going!
Romaine Salad with Hatch Chile Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 fresh hatch chiles, chopped
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 4 oz. Cuervo 1800 Tequila (or whatever Tequila you like for margaritas)
- 2 oz. agave nectar (to taste)
- 1/2 fresh lime
- 1 Tbsp. coarse sea salt (for rimming the glass)
- 1 Tbsp. Tanjin seasoning (for rimming the glass)
Instructions
- Place the lime juice and the hatch chiles in a small bowl. Using a muddler, muddle the hatch chiles with the lime juice - let this sit for at least 1/2 hour.... the longer it sits the more hatch flavor is released. If you can, make this the day before and refrigerate until ready to use!
- Strain the lime juice/hatch chile mixture and pour half into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add 1/2 of the remaining ingredients (except the salt and tangin spice). Stir and taste, adding more agave nectar if needed. Strain into a salt rimmed glass filled with ice!
- To rim the glasses: Place the salt and the tangin on a small plate and stir to combine. Use 1/2 of a cut lime and run it around the glass rim. Dip the glass into the salt/tangin mixture. Repeat with the other glass.
Notes
I use a bit less tequila than normally called for in a margarita recipe so if you like yours stronger, feel free to increase the amount of tequila - just remember to drink responsibly!!
Share
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this Nancy!!! Welcome back to blog world
What a fun drink!
Oooo yum! I had my first ever hatch chile last year and I loved them. Welcome back
!
What a great idea for the marg! I am going to steep some Hatch ‘n tequila and see what happens! Thanks for the linkup to my roasting tutorial. Love Hatch!
Hi Dorothy!! Can’t wait to see what you think of infusing the tequila – mine isn’t ready yet and I can’t wait to see what happens!!! Happy to link up – great tutorial!!
New Job – I want to hear more. Cheers to a great drink and new beginnings!
Hi Susan!! Yep, new part time job teaching at Orange Coast College – I am teaching a Cultural Foods class in the Food and Nutrition Department. It’s a job I’ve wanted for years and so I am very excited about it!!
I’m getting some Hatch chiles tomorrow; they roast them at a local farmers market and then I come home and package and freeze them for use through the winter. I never get enough.
Love the cocktail but mostly love that you got the job you really wanted. Now don’t be such a stranger!
Hi Barb!
So happy to be back!!! Have been stocking my freezer with chiles all weekend!!
So happy to see you back, Nancy! Now, I have to say that I’ve never had Hatch chilies. I’ve heard about them for years but we just don’t get them here in Georgia. I’m glad to know that Melissa’s markets them now – love Melissa’s Produce – so I’ll check into that. Love the idea of using chilies in a cocktail.
Hi Lana!!
So happy to be back!!! If you love chiles you will love the Hatch ones… so EASY to roast and peel and they freeze beautifully!!
I love a good spicy margarita. Looks fabulous!
Hi Esi!! Miss seeing your smiling face at the LA events… so glad you like the Margarita!
I will be on the lookout for Hatch chiles. These margaritas are making me very thirsty. A perfect Friday night cocktail. Cheers, my friend:)xx
Hoping one of these days we can get together for a cocktail in person!!!
Great idea! I’ll have to try it. Welcome back, we missed you!
Hi Stephanie! Been thinking about you lately and hope all is well.. it is great to be back!!!
Good to have you back, Nancy! This hatch chile margarita is a great way to celebrate all your new adventures!
Thanks Aida… it is REALLY good to be back!!!
Now that’s one spicy margarita! Love it and will definitely have to try it. I have some Sandia chile from Los Lunas in the fridge and I’m sure that will work as well. Can’t wait!