Happy Halloween to Mid City New Orleans—where the porches are well-stocked, the costumed are dedicated, and the spirit of celebration buzzes like hummingbird moths in the open mouths of butterfly ginger blossoms. So many smells, so much joy. We had our annual fete, this year a masquerade ball in the theme of Phantom of the Opera. I may never take these decorations down. Never, never.
So full. So full. We had cheese served on Tuscanini parchment crackers in assorted flavors. These are delicious! Also great when dipped in a chocolate fountain.
In other news, I love quinoa and all the ways quinoa can be costumed.
Spicy Fajita Stuffed Skillet Peppers
Inspired by Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
8 oz skirt steak, chopped into thin strips
1 tsp dried oregano
1 TB fajita seasoning (Penzeys!)
12 dedos de moca (Brazilian chili peppers), diced
Salt
Pepper
2/3 cup pimiento cheese
1 ½ cup Better Body Foods quinoa, cooked
3 bell peppers (any color), halved
1 cup red salsa
½ cup green salsa
Heat up a skillet hot hot HOT! Add 1 TB olive oil, salt and pepper the meat, and toss it onto the skillet, flip until the strips are just browned and remove, set aside.
In another skillet, saute the onion and green bell pepper until soft. Then add the chiles and garlic, stir until combined.
Add the oregano and fajita seasoning, stir to combine, then transfer to a bowl and mix with the quinoa and cooked steak. Spoon into bell pepper halves and return to the skillet, top each with a generous dollop of pimento cheese, and fill the skillet around the peppers with the salsas. Add ½ cup water (if your salsa is on the dry side).
Bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are softened. YUM. Wow wow wow. This was a variation from the Stuffed Skillet Pepper the Bridge has in their book.
This cookbook has so many classics. Several times, I’ve looked at ingredients in my fridge with ennui, like eggs for days, and felt like, I just need some ideas here. The table of contents is organized by ingredient, so you can be so inspired. In this case it was green bell peppers that were starting the death wrinkle. Transformed into spicy deliciousness. Ready for the show to begin.
