Birria Tacos

A Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco, Birria is a meat stew or soup made from your choice of meat, which is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, and herbs and spices before being cooked in a broth.

These Birria tacos are the best! Even my daughters liked them! A bit spicy but so delicious ~ enjoy!

~ Angie

Birria Tacos

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 tacos

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 tsp ancho powder
  • 5 guajillo peppers
  • 2-3 chiles de arbol optional for spicier Birria
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large white onion chopped
  • 1 can whole tomatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cups beef stock separated
  • 3 pounds boneless beef shank
  • 8 flour tortillas

Fixings: Use your favourites!

  • Chopped red onion
  • Sliced jalapeno or serrano
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Chili flakes
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Shredded cheese

Instructions
 

MAKE THE BIRRIA

  • Heat a large pan to medium heat and add the dried peppers. Dry toast them in the hot pan 1-2 minutes per side, until the skins darken.
  • Remove from heat and add the toasted peppers to a large bowl. Cover with hot water and steep 20 minutes, or until softened.
  • While the peppers are rehydrating, heat the olive oil in the same pan to medium heat.
  • Add the onion cook for 5 minutes to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 1 minute, stirring. Add canned tomatoes and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Add mixture to a food processor. Puree.
  • Remove the softened chilies from water and add to the food processor. Puree.
  • Add the seasonings to the food processor along with the vinegar and 1 cup beef stock. Process until smooth. Strain if desired to remove any unprocessed bits of skin.
  • Cut the beef into large chunks and sear in a large stock pot 3 minutes per side.
  • Add birria sauce to pot. Add remaining 3 cups beef broth. Cover and cook at medium heat for 3 hours, or until the meat is fork tender and easy to shred. It should be fairly saucy. Shred the meat with forks to your preference.
  • Toast tortillas straight on flame or in a pan with oil, depending on your stove top.
  • Serve tacos open face with side of birria sauce, some tortilla chips, and a margarita!
Keyword Chillies, Spicy, Tacos

    The Star Za’atar One-Pan Chicken

    Za’atar is a middle eastern spice blend of thyme, sesame, sumac, cumin, black pepper and salt. Mixed with chicken, potatoes, arugula and lemon in this one-pan dish and you have a tasty dinner ready family and friends! Love it!

    ~ Angie

    Star Za’atar One-Pan Chicken

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 50 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Middle East
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 teaspoons za’atar
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
    • 3 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
    • 1 pound Yukon potatoes cut in quarters
    • 1 lemon cut in half
    • 1 bunch arugula approx. 2 cups

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    • In a small bowl, mix za’atar with 2 tablespoons oil and 2 teaspoons salt.
    • Rub za’atar mixture all over chicken.
    • Toss potatoes in silver mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to roasting dish and roast in oven, stirring once, until they start to brown, about 20 minutes. And add chicken pieces and lemon halves. Roast until a thermometer inserted into thickest parts of chicken (not touching bones) registers about 150 degrees, 20 to 25 minutes.
    • Switch oven to broiler setting. Move roasting pan to upper third of oven; broil until chicken is browned, 2 to 3 minutes. In another mixing bowl, drizzle arugula lightly with oil; season with salt and pepper, and scatter over chicken and broil until just wilted and thermometer inserted into thickest parts of chicken registers 165 degrees, 1 to 2 minutes more. Let cool slightly, then squeeze lemon halves over chicken.
    • Toss everything together and serve. Enjoy!
    Keyword Chicken, Middle Eastern, Spices, Za’atar

      My Favourite Farmhouse Pancakes

      Farmhouse Pancakes

      This is a long-used family recipe for Farmhouse Pancakes that always has the kids running for the breakfast table! Makes 8 four-inch pancakes.

      ~ Angie

      Farmhouse Pancakes

      Farmhouse Pancakes

      Prep Time 15 minutes
      Cook Time 20 minutes
      Total Time 35 minutes
      Course Breakfast
      Servings 8 pancakes

      Ingredients
        

      • 1 1/8 cups milk
      • 1 cup rolled oats not large, regular
      • 2 tablespoons oil
      • 2 eggs beaten
      • ½ cup whole wheat flour
      • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
      • 1 teaspoon baking powder
      • ¼ teaspoon salt

      Instructions
       

      • Combine the milk and rolled oats in a bowl and let them stand at least 5 minutes.
      • Add the oil and beaten eggs, mixing well. Then stir in the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until the dry ingredients and moistened. Batter may appear a bit runny, but that’s ok.
      • Bake on a hot nonstick dry pan, using ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Turn them when the top is bubbly, and the edges are slightly dry.
      • Serve with Escuminac Maple Syrup and butter!
      Keyword Maple Syrup, Oats, Pancakes

        French Fireside Mustard Chicken

        This recipe for French Fireside Mustard Chicken comes from Posh’s own resident Chef Glenys. The star of the dish is a luscious mustard sauce, with a blend of shallots, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s a deliciously creamy, tangy dish and you can adjust the amount of Dijon mustard for a more milder dish to suit your tastes!

        ~ Angie

        French Fireside Mustard Chicken

        Prep Time 15 minutes
        Cook Time 30 minutes
        Total Time 45 minutes
        Course Main Course
        Cuisine French
        Servings 4 servings

        Ingredients
          

        FOR THE CHICKEN

        • 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally to make 4 fillets
        • 1 teaspoon salt
        • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
        • 4 tablespoons flour for dredging
        • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
        • 1 tablespoon olive oil

        FOR THE MUSTARD SAUCE

        • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
        • 1 shallot chopped
        • 4 cloves garlic minced
        • 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
        • 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard use 1 tablespoon for a milder flavour
        • 3/4 cup chicken broth
        • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon leaves
        • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
        • 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary leaves
        • 1/2 cup whipping cream
        • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

        Instructions
         

        • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off the excess. Set aside.
        • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
        • When hot, fry chicken breasts until golden on each side and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes each side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Transfer to a warm plate.
        • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan. Sauté shallots until soft, about 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
        • Add the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from bottom of pan with the end of your wooden spoon. Simmer until reduced to half, about 4 minutes.
        • Stir the Dijon mustard into the pan juices. Add the chicken broth and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Stir in cream and let simmer until sauce starts to thicken, about 3 minutes.
        • Add chicken back into the pan. Simmer gently until chicken is heated through and sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste test and adjust salt and pepper, if desired. Serve chicken with sauce.
        Keyword Chicken, Dijon Mustard, Herbs

          Angie’s Favourite Forest Hike Muffins

          This recipe for veggie filled forest hike muffins makes it worthwhile to drag out the food processor! But a hand grater will work just as well. Whatever you use is worth it though, I love these muffins!

          ~ Angie

          Angie’s Favourite Forest Hike Muffins

          Prep Time 25 minutes
          Cook Time 22 minutes
          Cool 10 minutes
          Total Time 57 minutes
          Course Baking, Snack
          Servings 18 muffins

          Ingredients
            

          • 2 cups shredded carrot
          • 1 cup shredded zucchini
          • 1 cup chopped peeled apple
          • 3/4 cup flaked coconut
          • 1/2 cup chopped almonds (omit for school snacks)
          • 2 teaspoons orange zest
          • 2 cups all-purpose flour
          • 1 cup sugar
          • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
          • 2 teaspoons baking soda
          • 1/2 teaspoon salt
          • 3 eggs lightly beaten
          • 3/4 cup canola oil
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

          Instructions
           

          • Gently toss together carrot, zucchini, apple, coconut, almonds and orange peel in a bowl. Set aside.
          • Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Separately combine eggs, oil and vanilla.
          • Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until moistened (batter will be thick). Fold in carrot mixture.
          • Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.
          • Bake at 375° for 20-22 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Yield: 18 standard size muffins.
          Keyword Muffins

            Soft Lemon Ricotta Cookies

            Lemon Ricotta Cookies

            Perfect for your afternoon tea!

            ~ Angie

            Lemon Ricotta Cookies

            Soft Lemon Ricotta Cookies

            Prep Time 20 minutes
            Cook Time 15 minutes
            Rest 20 minutes
            Total Time 55 minutes
            Course Dessert

            Ingredients
              

            Cookies:

            • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
            • 1 teaspoon baking powder
            • 1 teaspoon salt
            • 1 stick unsalted butter softened
            • 2 cups sugar
            • 2 eggs
            • 1 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
            • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
            • 1 lemon zested

            Glaze:

            • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
            • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
            • 1 lemon zested

            Instructions
             

            • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

            Cookies:

            • In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
            • In a separate large bowl combine butter and the sugar. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat for 30 seconds.
            • Stir in the dry ingredients until combined.
            • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using an OXO medium cookie scoop, spoon the dough onto the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes.

            Glaze:

            • Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. While cookies are still slightly warm, spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours. Pack the cookies into a decorative container.
            Keyword Baked, Cookies, Lemon, Ricotta, Treats

            Avgolemono

            Avgolemono

            Avgolemono is a Greek word pronounced ahv-go-LE-mono and refers to a mixture of eggs and lemon. In this recipe it’s used to created a delicious, tangy, creamy chicken soup.

            ~ Angie

            Avgolemono

            Avgolemono

            Prep Time 15 minutes
            Cook Time 30 minutes
            Total Time 45 minutes
            Course Soup
            Cuisine Greek

            Ingredients
              

            • 1 tbsp extra Virgin Olive Oil
            • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
            • 1 cup finely chopped celery
            • 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
            • 2 garlic cloves microplaned
            • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth Chef’s Elite
            • 2 bay leaves
            • 1 cup rice
            • Salt and pepper
            • 2 cooked boneless chicken breast pieces shredded
            • 1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
            • 2 large eggs
            • Fresh parsley for garnish

            Instructions
             

            • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil on medium-high. Add the carrots, celery and green onions, toss together to saute briefly then stir in the garlic.
            • Add the chicken broth then raise the heat to high. Add bay leaves. Once the liquid has come to a boil, add the rice, salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Now stir in the cooked chicken.
            • Combine egg and lemon the following way: in a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs. While whisking add 2 ladles-full of the broth from the cooking pot (this helps temper the eggs). Once fully combined, add the sauce to the chicken soup and stir. Remove from the heat immediately.
            • Serve hot with your favorite bread. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy!
            Keyword Avgolemono, Chicken, Eggs, Lemon, Soup

            Chicken Marbella

            This Chicken Marbella recipe is comfort!  If you love olives and savouries you will devour this recipe! It’s a classic… thanks to my friend Cleo for bringing it back!

            ~ Angie

            Chicken Marbella

            Prep Time 10 minutes
            Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
            Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
            Course Main Course

            Ingredients
              

            • 2 lb bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
            • 4 cloves garlic minced
            • 3 bay leaves Morton & Bassett
            • ½ cup pitted prunes
            • ½ cup assorted olives with pits Casina Rossi Smashed with Lemon
            • ¼ cup capers with 1 tsp of juice (Epicureal)
            • ¼ cup caperberries Epicureal
            • ¼ cup red wine vinegar Beaufor
            • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Castella Notti
            • 2 tablespoons dried oregano Ritrovo
            • 2 tsp Kosher salt Diamond
            • Ground pepper to taste Tellicherry
            • ½ cup white wine
            • ¼ cup brown sugar
            • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional

            Instructions
             

            • In a large bowl combine bay leaves, garlic cloves, prunes, olives, capers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it together then add the chicken. Rub it in well to the chicken, getting under the skin. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for a minimum 30 minutes, but preferably overnight.
            • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the chicken and all the marinade into a large baking dish or cast iron skillet and spread it out a bit so the chicken pieces don’t overlap. Pour the wine into the baking dish. Place in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
            • Check the temperature of the chicken once it is browned. It’s done once it reaches 165 degrees. Transfer the chicken to a large serving platter and spoon the prunes, olives, and capers on top.
            • Transfer juices from roasting pan to a small fry pan and boil over medium heat. Reduce liquid to about ½ cup, approximately 10 minutes. Strain the sauce into a bowl, then pour it over the chicken.
            • Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with rice and enjoy!
            Keyword Chicken, Olives, Savoury

            Angie’s Love You Yuzu Salad

            I’m obsessed with this salad! The flavour is amazing! We only sell yuzu vinegar in a 1L bottle… should last forever but I’ve craved this so much the bottle is almost gone!

            ~ Angie

            Check out this video on the perfect way to cut a grapefruit for this recipe.

            Angie’s Love You Yuzu Salad

            Prep Time 10 minutes
            Cook Time 5 minutes
            Total Time 15 minutes
            Course Salad

            Ingredients
              

            • 1 living butter lettuce rinsed and dried
            • 1 avocado cut into pieces or slices
            • 1 pink grapefruit cut into bite-size pieces
            • 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
            • 1 Tbsp butter
            • 2 inch ginger root peeled with back of a spoon and grated with a microplane
            • Juice from one lime
            • 1 Tbsp yuzu vinegar
            • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
            • 2 tsp sugar
            • Pinch Maldon Salt

            Instructions
             

            • Melt butter in 8″ fry pan. Saute sunflower seeds for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
            • Combine vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, sugar and grated ginger in small bowl.
            • In a mixing bowl, toss lettuce very gently with avocado, grapefruit, sunflower seeds and dressing. Just to coat.
            • Plate and serve immediately. Top with pinch of maldon salt.
            Keyword Grapefruit, Yuzu

            Winter Rice Pudding

            rice pudding

            This winter rice pudding dessert is the best for pre-soccer practice nights, or just when you need a little comfort!

            rice pudding

            Winter Rice Pudding

            Prep Time 5 minutes
            Cook Time 35 minutes
            Total Time 40 minutes
            Course Dessert, Snack
            Servings 2 Servings

            Ingredients
              

            • 3 cups whole milk
            • ½ cup Arborio rice
            • ¼ cup sugar
            • ¼ tsp vanilla paste
            • ½ tsp cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

            Instructions
             

            • Heat the milk, sugar, vanilla paste, and cinnamon over high heat until boiling.
            • Add rice and reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender. *If pudding thickens and rice is still too firm, warm some milk in the microwave and add ¼ cup by ¼ cup until soft.
            • Place in small bowls and serve immediately.