A Very Hoppy Easter Pie!

Mi Huerta Market
By Sarah Chovanetz

A Very Hoppy Easter Pie!

When Easter comes around everything gets brighter, sweeter and people get “hoppier”! It kicks off spring season and gives all of us a fresh start. Cooler weather is starting to subside and sunnier days entice us to get outside by the pool. It’s a great time to be with family and most importantly remember the value of tradition.
During Easter Weekend, family gets together and it turns into laughter, full bellies and an abundance of story time. The best part about it though is the traditional and non-traditional foods that are shared amongst loved ones. People get to explore their taste buds and also dive into the classics like chocolate easter bunnies and marshmallow peeps. We can’t forget about the famous family tradition such as the “Easter Egg Hunt”. Finding those bright colored eggs hidden in the grass only to open it and receive candy or money and feel like you just hit the lottery as a kid. These are the moments life is worth living.
Easter food is just as special. We are sharing this delicious traditional Easter dessert because it is simple yet delicious and perfect for the occasion. The name of it is quite fitting as well; Sweet Easter Pie.  Feel free to add some bright colored Easter eggs you dyed yourself or the plastic ones you can buy at the store. The pie itself will taste so good it won’t matter how it looks, but we can’t vouch for the appeal. It is rather plain. Put some Peeps on top and you’re all set!
 
   
 

Sweet Easter Pie

Ingredients
            3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for garnish
            3 large eggs
            2 teaspoons Mi Huerta Pure Vanilla Extract
            1 tablespoon orange zest
            1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
            1/2 cup cooked short-grained rice
            1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
            6 sheets fresh phyllo sheets or frozen, thawed
            3/4 stick (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
 
Directions
 
Step1: Blend 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, eggs, our vanilla, orange zest and ricotta in a food processor until smooth. Stir in the rice and pine nuts. Set the ricotta mixture aside.
Step2: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step3: Lightly butter a 9-inch glass pie dish. Lay 1 phyllo sheet over the bottom and up the sides of the dish, allowing the phyllo to hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo with the melted butter.
Step4: Top with a second sheet of phyllo dough, laying it in the opposite direction as the first phyllo sheet. Continue layering the remaining sheets of phyllo sheets, alternating after each layer and buttering each sheet. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the dish. Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the top of the filling to enclose it completely. Brush completely with melted butter.
Step5: Bake the pie until the phyllo is golden brown and the filling is set, about 35 minutes.
Step6: Transfer the pan to a rack and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar over the pie
Step7: Serve and add the dyed eggs and/or plastic ones with Peeps and let the Easter festivities begin!

Chocolate Brownie Pudding

Mi Huerta Market
By: Sarah Chovanetz
 

Choc-A-LOT!

One of the great things about our Mexican Vanilla is that it can be used in so many ways. Especially when it comes to baking with chocolate. Chocolate is sweet on its own but after using our Kosher, and authentic Mexican Vanilla extract there is even a better sweetness added. It’s a perfect duo that creates a very yummy result. Which leads me to my next statement; We have a great recipe to share!
 It is basically a mixture of different consistencies using none other than chocolate. Because chocolate is magical like that. And you can’t just have one type of chocolate with this dessert, you deserve to eat multiple types of chocolate. Don’t worry it’s not different flavors of chocolate, it is all about the classic chocolate! Chocolate cake, chocolate brownie, chocolate pudding, Choc-A-LOT!
Before you make this recipe, make sure you have an oblong baking dish and spoons. Purchase an ice cream scooper as well and get a couple of bowls. The second it is prepared you will not be able to wait before grabbing some! It is seriously that good and totally easy to make.
 
  

Chocolate Brownie Pudding

 

Ingredients
* 2 sticks unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering the dish
* 5 large eggs, at room temperature
* 2 cups sugar
* 3/4 cup good cocoa powder
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons Mi Huerta Vanilla extract***
 
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly butter a 2-quart oblong baking dish.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and set aside to cool.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed for 5 to 10 minutes until thick and yellow.
4. Meanwhile, sift the flour and cocoa powder and set aside.
5. When the egg mixture is read lower the speed and add the Mi Huerta Vanilla, cocoa, and flour mixture. Mix only until combined. With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the cooled butter and mix again just until combined.
6. Pour the brownie mixture in the prepared dish and place into a larger baking pan. Add enough of the hottest tap water to the pan to the halfway up the side of the dish and bake for exactly 1 hour. A cake tester inserted 2 inches from the side will come out three quarters clean. The center will appear very under-baked; this dessert is between a brownie and a pudding.
7. Allow to cool and serve with vanilla ice-cream.
 
This recipe is perfect for an evening that calls for a celebration or even one that doesn’t! It is a great choice for any occasion and because of how easy it is to make, you can just consider this a family favorite from the get go! You will love the reaction from your family and friends because they won’t be able to figure out how in the world you made it while continuously drooling over how delicious it looks. And, even if they don’t want it with ice cream it is just as yummy without that. Bring out the caramel syrup if you want to mix things up and take it up a notch! Either way you can’t say no to this dessert.
 
We hope you enjoy this recipe and thanks for being a supporter of Mi Huerta Products!
 
 

Polvorones de Canele

Mi Huerta Market

 By: Sarah Chovanetz

 

Polvorones de Canele

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

 
Who doesn’t love vanilla, cinnamon, sugar and most importantly, COOKIES? This recipe uses those ingredients to create one heck of a Mexican-style cookie. They are soft and light and delicious. “Polvorones de Canele” has been a traditional dessert choice in the Mexican culture for many years. These yummy cookies are served at weddings, parties, and special events.
I must say the fact that this recipe is simple yet overly appetizing could mean a new tradition is underway. These can easily be made on a relaxing Saturday night added with some hot coffee and/or milk and a good movie. VOILA, the perfect night! Who needs ice cream? Well, you could pair these delightful little treats with ice cream if you were feeling dangerous! Be careful though, it may create a new addition to your Saturday nights! Curl up with a good book and your new faves (these cookies) and forget about the rest! Perfect. Call your girlfriends and invite them over for a movie night, add these little treasures on a tray with some wine and you have just become the best party host ever. Genius! The possibilities are endless with these cookies.
Now I am hungry and craving these cookies. The cinnamon and sugar mixture is simply divine. It gives the cookies that addicting flavor but not too much to where you only want just one. Maybe we should rename these to Dangerously Delicious Cookies? Anyway, Mi Huerta is excited to share this recipe and we know you are going to love it. Get the kitchen ready and don’t forget to grab the one and ONLY Mi Huerta Mexican Vanilla Extract. Our authentic vanilla is essential to making this recipe as good as it is.
 
Polvorones De Canele
Recipe Ingredients
1 cup of butter
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Mi Huerta vanilla extract ***
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 
 
 
Directions
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar and butter until smooth.
Stir in our vanilla.
Combine flour, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture to form a stiff
dough.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls.
Mix together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; roll balls in cinnamon mixture.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in preheated oven, or until nicely browned.
Cool cookies on wire racks.
 
 
EASY BREEZY DELICIOUS COOKIES! Could a recipe get any better? Nothing you cant make, even for beginners this one is a cinch. Please give it a try and see for yourself why this continues to be such a staple in Mexican family households.
 

Mexican Vanilla Cake

Mi Huerta Market

By Sarah Chovanetz

   

Mexican Vanilla Cake

 
What better recipe to share than one that involves using the ingredient we are so passionate about! This recipe is simple yet contains one special ingredient that makes it stick out from your regular dessert. It is none other than Mexican Vanilla Cake. This recipe is often duplicated but it does not have the taste it deserves. This is because the ingredients used are not authentic. They are imitation ingredients that make their version of this traditional dessert way less appetizing. Make sure you use our authentic and Kosher vanilla extract whenever cooking or baking recipes that contain vanilla. You will be glad you did.
 
Dont forget you are also going to create a homemade vanilla frosting that will also be just as yummy. I promise this cake will become a staple whenever you have special events going forward. It is just too good to pass up and your family will ask for it anyway!
 
 
MEXICAN VANILLA CAKE
 
Ingredients
 
2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
2c sugar
4 eggs
3 cups flour, sifted
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1 tbsp Mi Huerta Vanilla Extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
 
 
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F & grease 2, 8in round cake pans
Step 2: Cream the butter until light and soft. Add sugar slowly; mix until fluffy. Add in our Mi Huerta vanilla and mix until incorporated.
Step 3: In separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon & salt.
Step 4: Alternately add dry mix and milk to the butter sugar mix, until blended.
Step 5: Pour into your greased pan of choice; bake for 30 minutes. Cake will be done when light golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
 
For Vanilla Frosting
Ingredients
 
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon Mi Huerta Vanilla Extract
1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream
 
Directions
 
In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.
Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 more minute, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.
 
Once you have made the icing go ahead and spread it onto the cake once it has cooled. Grab some milk or coffee and some forks! Its going to be one delightful bite after another!

Lemon Twist

Mi Huerta Market
By: Sarah Chovanetz

Lemon Twist

Its officially 2017! It is going to be the best year yet! Have any resolutions? Here at Mi Huerta we do! Here are our favorite resolutions for 2017. Eat better. Sleep more. Love harder. Be kind to everyone you meet. Use Mi Huerta Vanilla Extract. The last resolution was a bit biased as you may know. We cant help it because we know how truly amazing our products are, especially the all-natural Mexican vanilla we make. Its really one of a kind and isnt sold just anywhere. It is kosher, and each bottle is handled individually with care. You just cant find quality like that these days!
Enough about us, lets talk you! We cant wait to share what we have in store for you in the new year and want you to be with us every step of the way. In fact, we want to start this
  
 
new year off with a particularly delicious dish.  It has a sweet and yummy taste with a twist of lemon!  You can serve it for breakfast, but honestly with a dish this good you could serve it for a late night treat too. We wont tell! Just picture cinnamon rolls but instead of cinnamon theres a creamy, tangy zest of flavors that awaken the senses and make you roll your eyes back thinking, Wow this is seriously the best!. Lemon fills the warm homemade dough and once the glaze is drizzled on top, you may eat the entire pan!
Lets get to the recipe part and break down of how to actually make these special rolls. I will admit there will need to be some attention paid to the glaze and ingredients must be followed exactly to get the perfect taste every time. I promise it will be worth it and you will be crowned Top Chef of the kitchen! Hint about the zest, make sure you keep it because youll want to sprinkle the remaining bit all over your yummy rolls!
Like always we thank you so much for the support and would not be Mi Huerta Market without you! Please enjoy this recipe and we hope you enjoy our website and blogs!

WARNING: THIS RECIPE WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRIER BY THE MINUTE!

 

 

Addicting and Super Yummy Lemon Rolls with Lemon

Cream Cheese Glaze

 
Makes 12 large breakfast rolls
 
For the dough:
2 1/2 teaspoons (1 envelope or 1/4 ounce) active yeast
3/4 cup milk, warmed to about 100
°F, warm but not hot on the inside of your wrist
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature for an hour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons of our Mi Huerta Mexican V
anilla extract***
1 lemon, zested
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the sticky lemon filling:
1 cup sugar
1 lemon, zested
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, very soft
1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 cup lemon juice, from 2 lemons

For the lemon cream cheese glaze:
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the yeast over the warmed milk and let it sit for a few minutes or until foamy. Using the mixer paddle and with the mixer on low speed, stir the softened butter, eggs, sugar, Mi Huerta vanilla, lemon zest, and 1 cup of the flour into the milk and yeast mixture. Stir in the salt and nutmeg. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft yet sticky dough.
Switch to the dough hook and knead at low speed for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, pliable, and stretchy.
Lightly grease the top of the dough with vegetable oil, and turn the dough over so it is coated in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Note; If you do not have a stand mixer, mix the ingredients by hand in a large bowl, then turn the sticky dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, pliable, and stretchy. Put back in the bowl to rise.
Make the sticky lemon filling: While the dough is rising, rub the lemon zest into the sugar with the tips of your fingers until well combined. Add the butter and beat together with a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer) until it is thick, whipped, and creamy. Add the ginger and nutmeg. Slowly add the lemon juice and whip. It should be a thin yet still creamy mixture of butter and sugar. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour, or until you are ready to assemble the rolls.
Assemble the rolls: Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with baking spray or butter. On a floured surface, pat the risen dough into a large yet still thick rectangle about 10 x 15 inches.
Spread the dough evenly with the sticky lemon filling. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the top long end. Stretch and pull the dough taut as you roll, to keep the lemon filling inside. Cut the long dough roll into 12 even rolls and place each in the prepared baking dish.
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for 1 hour or until puffy and doubled.
Bake the rolls: Heat the oven to 350°F. Place the risen rolls in the oven and bake for 35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into a center roll reads 190°F.
Make the glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small food processor (or with a mixer, or a sturdy whisk), whip the lemon juice and cream cheese until light and fluffy. (Reserve the lemon zest.) Add the powdered sugar and blend until smooth and creamy.
Glaze the rolls: When the rolls are done, smear them with the cream cheese glaze, and sprinkle the reserved lemon zest over top to garnish. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving, but do serve while still warm.

Ponche Navideño – Delicious Mexican Christmas Punch

Mi Huerta Market

By Sarah Chovanetz

 
 
 
 

Ponche Navideño

Delicious Mexican Christmas Punch

 
Christmas time is one of the most celebrated times of the year! The weather gets colder, festive decorations are up everywhere to put you in the holiday spirit, and families are gathering all over the world to cherish each other! It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
        Speaking of families gathering around, no Christmas celebration would be complete without the traditional Mexican Ponche Navideno. Its warm and got a bit of kick to it. Its filled with a delicious aroma of cinnamon, fresh fruit and tastes just like the holiday itself. Ponche is typically served within Mexican households on Christmas Eve. Its considered a traditional Christmas punch and is kept nice and warm throughout the evening for family and guests. Ponche is absolutely delicious and warms the heart. You can definitely add alcohol to it of course, just be careful that the kids don’t get any! Or make two separate batches in two different colored pots so no one makes any silly mistakes. This recipe is using our very own hand made Mi Huerta Piloncillo. Please have fun with this and if you want to change out the fruit with something else feel free to do so! Make it your own and keep it a secret family recipe!
 

 
        Piloncillo is basically a dark brown sugar that gives the punch a sweet taste and makes it the perfect holiday drink. Our Piloncillo comes in a cone wrapped in thin plastic. You will want to grab the thick end of the cone and slice it with a knife. Itll require SOME force on your end but it should work. It wont be too hard, and remember if you own piloncillo that isnt ours (tisk tisk) and its really hard to cut, you should throw it out and grab some of ours because it should always be slightly tough but definitely able to cut into and cook with. You could also try scraping our Mi Huerta Piloncillo along a box grater. I would say those two are the best ways to break down the cone. Do not put the cone into a food processor because it may break the machine and we dont want that to happen because itd be one more thing to add on to your Christmas list!
 
 
Ingredients
2 1/2 to 3 quarts water* (see note)
2 cinnamon sticks, about 6 inches long
8 ounces tejocotes, left whole
6 guavas, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 mild-flavored apples (not Granny Smith), peeled, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
2 four-inch pieces of sugar cane, peeled and cut into thin strips
1/2 cup pitted prunes, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup dark raisins
5 long tamarind pods, peeled and seeded, or three tablespoons of tamarind pulp without seeds
6 to 8 ounces Mi Huerta Piloncillo (this equals about one average cone)
Rum, brandy or tequila (optional)
 
Directions

  1. You will want to bring water and cinnamon sticks to a boil in a large pot. Add the tejocotes and lower the flame. Cook over a slow, rolling boil until the tejocotes are soft. So basically do this for about five minutes.
  2. Next, remove the fruit from the pot, let cool and then peel the skin off with your fingers. (It should come off easily.) Cut the tejocotes in half, and remove and discard the seeds-DON’T FORGET TO REMOVE THE SEEDS!
  3. Once theyve been peeled and de-seeded, place the tejocotes back into your pot of cinnamon-water and add the remaining Ponche ingredients. Stir to combine and let simmer for at least 30 minutes. If youre adding alcohol, pour it into the pot right before serving time.
  4. To serve the Ponche, remove the cinnamon sticks and ladle directly into mugs, making sure to include the chunks of cooked fruit. The strips of sugar cane can be served directly into the cup, to suck on after you’re finished drinking.

 
 
Enjoy this delightful drink with your loved ones by the fire and remember to always drink responsibly. Happy Holidays from Mi Huerta!