Lions and Packers and Bears, Oh My!

This Sunday is another do or die moment for Da Bears. However, we don't have total control over over fate. The Packers - of all teams - are most able to help us by winning. Aaargh!

For this blogger, I'll do my best to focus on what I can affect and what I can't. Please don't go beyond the "If it works, it's not silly." Come on Bears Fans, let's do it! What will you be cooking for the win?

The Choice Was Clear

For da Bears, the choice was clear - either win this game or call it a season. They made the right choice and gave the fans an early Christmas gift with a 28-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals. The defense was awesome (another touchdown for Peanut) and the team was looking much more like what we expect from the Bears. While this blogger wondered about Cutler tendency today to overshoot his targets and the problems with Special Teams, perhaps Santa is smiling on our team led by a quarterback from Santa Claus, Indiana.

The menu choice was also clear. Da Bears were playing a do or die game against Arizona the day before Christmas Eve. Are you with me? It could only be homemade tamales. They are a holiday tradition and a favorite of the Southwest. Yes, they take a bit of work  so pace yourselves and allow 2 days. Trust me, it's worth it.

Here's my recipe for success and, I must say, they were delicious!

Tamales

Filling (called Picadillo)
Ingredients:
1 LB Pork Shoulder Roast
1 TB each of butter and vegetable oil
1/2 onion, sliced
Seasonings: Ancho Chile Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Creole Season Salt, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder and Pepper
8 oz Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup salsa

Directions:
1.  Dust pork with seasonings on both sides. Allow to sit 10-20 minutes

2.  Melt butter and oil in a heavy pan. When hot, add pork and brown.

3.  Remove pork and add red wine to deglaze pan

4.  When liquid is about half of what it was, return pork to the pan and add tomato sauce, salsa and onion.

5.  Cook slowly until pork is tender (about 2 hours)

Corn Husks
Soak in warm water several hours or overnight in large, wide bowl. Put a plate on top of the corn husks to push them into the water

Tamale
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups masa harina
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup warm broth from  pork filling
1/2 lard
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
1.  Mix masa harina, water and broth in medium size bowl. Cover and let stand 20 minutes

2.  In a larger bowl, mix lard and salt with electric beaters until fluffy

3.  Add masa harina mixture to lard mixture. Beat until well incorporated

Assemble
1.  Put 2 TB of tamale mixture onto each corn husk

2.  Roll the husk to spread the tamale mixture into a 1/2 inch wide strip of dough leaving a small part of the top and bottom of the husk without tamale mixture

3.  Add 1 TB of Picadillo onto the dough

4.  Roll the husk to resemble a cigar. Secure both ends with a strip of corn husk tied in a double knot

Cook
1.  Place tamales on rock in steamer or electric skillet

2.  Water should be just below rack level

3.  Bring water to a boil, cover and steam 40-45 minutes or until tamales pull away from water. Add water as needed.

This recipe made 9 tamales. If you're making for a crowd (which is most likely) adjust measurements accordingly.

NOTE: Tamales can be frozen if, after they've cooled, you wrap them in plastic wrap, then foil. However, they are best fresh and can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 week.

Merry Christmas!

Cheddar Curtain

Injuries, penalties and the cheddar curtain all came down on da Bears this week. There were moments when it felt like the real Bears were on the field and then ...... not so much. 

This blogger wanted to do her part. I thought long and hard about what was needed. My determination was a return to basic football. You know, the hard hitting, slog it out kind of ball that defines da Bears. Apparently Lovie and the coaching staff agreed because it was a running game, not a passing game. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough running game. Sigh!

As I searched for the perfect winning recipe against our arch rivals - the Cheeseheads - I went for a traditional tailgate favorite with a twist. It sounds very strange - I'll give you that - but WOW is it yummy! Give this one a try.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

2 TB butter

1 1/2 stalks celery, diced

1/2 small onion, diced

2 TB flour

1/4 cup plus 2 TB half and half

1/12 cups chicken broth

1 cup cubed, cooked chicken

2 TB buffalo wing sauce

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  Melt butter, saute celery and onion until tender - about 5 minutes

2.  Add flour and cook about 2 minutes - stir constantly

3.  Slowly stir in half and half and broth. Stir until slightly thickened

4.  Add chicken, buffalo wing sauce and cheese. Season with salt and pepper

5.  Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally. Simmer until cheese has completely melted - about 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

A Bear With One Hand Tied Behind His Back

The Vikings encountered a different Bears team just two weeks after their visit to Soldier Field. With so many injuries, the Bears were not able to repeat their success against the Vikings.

However, this Bears fan is wondering if the problem is more emotional than physical. Consider the dearth of rookie penalties: off-sides, false starts, etc. Then there were the passes that should have been caught. With the Packers coming to town, it is time for da Bears to Concentrate. This Bears team - even with its injuries - is more capable than they've shown the last two weeks.

There is not enough Wild Rice in the world that can counteract a lack of focus. This blogger will be working on a game winning menu worthy of the Monsters of the Midway. It's time for the team to Bear Down! Let's take this season back.

Seahawks Fly In To Soldier Field

Darrell Roya once said:  "One player was lost because he broke his nose. How do you go about getting a nose in condition for football?" da Bears certainly have their share of injuries and many of those injured are going to take the field. Roar! Tillman and Forte are likely to play while Hester's concussion will keep him out of Sunday's game. Let's now forget that Cutler is likely still recovering from his most recent concussion.  On the Seahawks side we're looking at Trufant, Bryant and Hill. It's a tough game and this blogger hopes for an injury free game this week for both sides. As you consider your Seattle menu, you have a lot to choose from. There is fresh fish of many varieties beginning with Salmon. Mushrooms and fruit are featured at the many extraordinary Farmer's Markets. Ethnic food has made a huge impact - especially Thai and Indian. And of course in Seattle, there is always coffee whether it is straight, in the main dish or in desert. It is lurking. So what do you think is your winning dish against the Seattle Seahawks?