Poblano Chile

On a Green Chile Cheeseburger fresh roasted chiles are as uncommon — and as welcome — as really fine cheese. The topping can be as simple as a whole roasted pod draped across the burger. Or a few plain roasted pods can be chopped and spooned on top. To give the sandwich extra pizzazz, we prepare our version, inspired by Santa Fe's finest offerings, as follows:

Tortillas form the crust of these layered pizzas, which are an irresistible hors d'oeuvre. Pour sangria throughout the party.

Margaritas and some guacamole with chips and/or vegetable "dippers" would start this Mexican-style dinner off right. Ladle out black bean soup to precede the tamale pie, and serve a Caesar salad with it. Finish by teaming lime sorbet with orange segments that have been marinated in tequila.

(Stuffed Chilies)

Serve this with the Mushroom Flatbreads or on its own.

Chilies and corn—staples of the southwestern diet—are the hallmarks of this stuffing. Its intense corn flavor comes from a mixture of corn bread, corn chips, corn kernels and cream-style corn. It gets its zip from poblano and jalapeño chilies.

A spicy spin on the classic side dish. Any leftovers make an excellent omelet filling when paired with turkey and Monterey Jack cheese.

Serve with warm corn bread or spoon over steamed rice. What to drink: Pale ale or Mexican lager or dark ale, such as Bohemia or Negra Modelo.

For best results, make this stuffing with day-old Buttermilk Corn Bread.

Crepas Rellenas de Hongos con Salsa de Chile Poblano Wild mushrooms stand in for cuitlacoche (corn fungus), which is a delicacy in Mexico.

Poblano Strips with Onions and Cream Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In the early days of California cooking, savory puddings were often served, a reflection of the fact that eggs and dairy have historically been mainstays of the state's agriculture. That was a legacy from the mission padres who, in addition to growing field crops such as corn and beans, usually kept cows and chickens to help feed their communities. In Northern California, Dungeness crab season begins around the first of November. The crab lends rich taste and nice texture to the first-course pudding.

This recipe originally accompanied Smoked Chicken Salad on Toasted Corn Bread Triangles . The corn bread is great on its own, too.

Margaritas, crisp Mexican beer or sangria would be perfect with this dinner.

This is one of my all-time favorite sauces. It is excellent with grilled or roasted poultry or pork dishes. When I travel and cook at various events, I often include this on the menu. This recipe is a component of Tamarind Barbecued Duck with Smoky Plantain Crema .