Hatch Chili's at a Catered Reunion

Behind the 91 freeway sound wall it was hot enough to melt freckles. Had I known in 5th grade that you could melt away freckles in an Anaheim neighborhood, I might have visited sooner. I'm sure the engineers didn't intend to dam the breeze for the houses behind it. No one would be that cruel.

Still, hot or not, Summer will always call folks outside to gather. Most backyards will usually see at least one event or more in the season before school busses roll again. Most will center around grilled foods and precious family time that you can never have enough of. Backyards are my speciality, and I love when I get a chance to cater with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Just before I catered Sunday's family reunion,
the Fed Ex truck had arrived with a box from Melissa's, (foodie equivalent to a gift from the North Poll). Santa at Melissa's sent famous Hatch Chili's in various whimsical shapes and Scoville values, delightfully fragrant and, kind of well... sexy.

For the party I chopped the spicy ones into the Tex Mex Dip and the milder ones were served along with grilled corn.

Summer Family Reunion

Menu For 30

Tex Mex Dip with Hatch Chili's and Handmade Chips

Vine Ripe Pomodoro and Toasted Garlic Bruschetta

Tri Tip with Spicy Apple Cider Mop

BBQ Chicken Brochette

Grilled Corn with Roasted Hatch Chili's

Baked Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Ruby Gold Potato Salad

Country Cole Slaw

Garden Salad with Buttermilk and Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

Corn Bread Muffins

Fresh Sliced Watermelon

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Handmade Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

The New Mexico Hatch Chili is a grandparent of the Anaheim Chili seems like a good fit to roast and serve them at a friendly family gathering. Once blistered and allowed to sweat, the Hatch Chili's skin slips easily off leaving a silky pepper in your hands. Enjoy them in an omelette, quesadilla or turn them into a delicious salsa.
They have a limited season but can be stored in the freezer and used in delicious dishes for months. If you can't get away to New Mexico... Melissa's Produce can bring fresh Hatch Chili's to your door!

Learn more from Melissa's Chef Ida at: http://www.melissas.com/Recipes/Videos/Hatch-Chiles.aspx