The_NM_TX

  I don’t know how but before I even moved down here, I heard of this cookie exclusive to New Mexico called Bizcochitos. Upon arrival it was on my short list to find, and try these cookies. Needless to say, after my first one I was not only intrigued, but also hooked. The flavors and texture were so interesting, and like nothing I have ever had. Where had these cookies been before I moved? So naturally I needed to learn how to make them once I got settled in. Once home where the sheet pans, and mixer were unpacked I sought out a proper recipe, and what I found was surprising. Cinnamon, anise, brandy, and lard? My first thought was that this was like the game of telephone and these are the ingredients that eventually made their way into my ear. But all recipes were consistent so I headed to the grocery store on a mission and came back with all I needed to make these cookies. While there is still some fine tuning to the technique the cookies turned out good, and are now a part of...

  Being from Colorado the thought of mountains shouldn’t seem that alluring. Going from a state where there more 14ers than I can count, the thought of Sandia peak should seem small and insignificant. But what most people outside of Colorado don’t realize is that unless you’re driving west, or waiting in the hour plus traffic to get into them the mountains aren’t as accessible as they once were. They are merely a pretty sight that is often just out of reach without the proper planning and early wake up call. After relocating down here I consistently found myself in awe that no matter where I was driving the Sandia was always in sight. Even more so is the close proximity to it makes it seem grander than its 10,000-foot peak really is. With that being said one of my favorite aspects of this mountain is watching how much it changes throughout the course of a day. I love how as the sun moves across the sky certain crevices become more prominent while others disappear into the shadows...

  Moving to New Mexico in October had a lot of unknown advantages, one of the biggest was that it was harvest time. I know that every state has a harvest season and festivals that go around it, but here there was something unique about chili season. Of course, that was seeing all the ristras everywhere, and having the opportunity to make one. On that note though I’m not going to lie, prior to moving here I never knew the term ristra. Thankfully I quickly learned that they are both a method for preserving chili peppers for further use as well as a sign for good luck and health to the household. So, what else is a new person to the state to do during harvest? Dive right in and learn exactly how to do this, and thankfully the opportunity presented itself. Big Jim Farms in Los Rancho de Albuquerque offered beginner classes on this classic technique, and it was a day to remember. Upon arriving there were buckets lined up overflowing with fresh peppers ready to be strung and preserved ...