You're still reading?!?!?!? I've lost respect for you. This blog is really just a simple list of my personal "How To"s . I'm honored if I can help you in any way but I'm not legally responsible if you're crazy enough to follow my advice.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

How to Cook a Baked Gringo


Why is it called a Baked Gringo? It's full of white cheese and mild in spice. Also, it can't dance, play sports, or survive a day in prison. This is one of my all time favorite meals. It's quick, fattening, and gloriously cheesy. I wish I had a picture of the completed dish but it doesn't survive long enough for me to snap a picture. The above picture isn't it (found on RoadFood.com) but the finished product looks very similar.

Ingredients:
* 20 to 24 slices of thinly sliced smoked ham
* 2 pounds of Monterrey Jack (block form)
* 3 small cans of whole green chilies (or fresh roasted and peeled Anaheim chilies)
* 1 package of small flour tortillas (10 to 12 count)
* 3 cups of finely shredded cheddar cheese

Time to Make: 10 to 15 minutes prep with about 30 minutes bake time

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Cut the cheese (my inner child just giggled) blocks into 1/2 to 3/4 inch rectangular slices
3. Open and slice the whole green chiles length wise into 1 to 2 inch slices
4. Take two slices of ham and roll/fold them up so they're only a few inches across and lay them down the center of a tortilla
5. Place a thin line of chilies along the center on top of the ham
6. Top the ham and chilies with one or more slabs of the white cheese
7. Roll the tortilla up into a tube like an enchilada with the ends OPEN (not like a burrito with the ends folded closed)
8. Place the tortilla in a baking pan upside down with the rolled flaps on the bottom so it stays closed
9. Repeat the process until the whole pan is filled with rolled tortilla happiness
10. Evenly spread the shredded cheddar cheese across the top to ensure constipation
11. Place the baking pan in the center rack of your oven until the cheese is melted and your desired level of crispiness is achieved. (Usually 25 to 35 minutes)
12. Eat until you explode