Cross-Dresser

The Cross-Dresser Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful concoction that combines the heat of chiles with the tropical sweetness of fruits. This sauce dances on your taste buds, with its alternating sweet and hot flavors, reminiscent of a lively rumba. The New Mexico red chiles and the singing of the mango create an irresistible combination, while the deep brick color with flecks of chiles adds a visual spectacle to your dishes. This sauce is particularly excellent as a marinade for pork, shrimp, or turkey, infusing them with its bold and exotic flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 dried New Mexico red chiles
• 2 fresh green serrano chiles
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup rum
• 1 tablespoon raisins
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.
2. Place the New Mexico red chiles on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for approximately 3 minutes until you can smell their aroma.
3. Submerge the roasted chiles in a pot of hot water and soak them for 20 minutes. Drain the chiles, reserving the chile water.
4. Roast the green serrano chiles by holding them over a grill or burner flame, rotating them until they are blistered. Put them in a bowl and cover with a towel to allow the steam to loosen their skins. Peel off the thin outer skin and stem the chiles. If desired, remove the seeds for a milder heat.
5. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted New Mexico red chiles, roasted serrano chiles, garlic cloves, yellow onion, cayenne pepper, papaya, mango, lime juice, rum, raisins, and cilantro leaves. Blend until the chiles are reduced to small flecks. If needed, add a few tablespoons of the reserved chile water to thin the sauce, stopping just short of making it a purée.
6. Pour the sauce into bottles and seal them. The Cross-Dresser Sauce is best enjoyed at room temperature and can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

YIELD: 2 1/2 cups

The Cross-Dresser Sauce is a harmonious blend of flavors that takes your taste buds on a tropical journey. The combination of dried New Mexico red chiles and fresh green serrano chiles creates a balanced heat, while the sweetness of papaya and mango adds a delightful tropical twist. The garlic, onion, and cilantro lend aromatic depth, while the rum and lime juice provide a tangy and zesty kick. The raisins add a touch of sweetness and complexity.

To fully appreciate the Cross-Dresser Sauce, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring you have a delicious and versatile condiment on hand whenever you need it.

Whether used as a marinade for meats or as a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite dishes, the Cross-Dresser Sauce will bring a burst of vibrant flavors to your meals, adding a touch of exotic flair that will delight your taste buds.