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Chilled Red Pepper Shooters with Cilantro Pesto

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Chilled Red Pepper Shooters

These days I am cooking more in a commercial kitchen than at home. I thought it would be fun to share some of the class recipes and creations with you. We are starting with a starter. Greet your guests with a Red Pepper Shooters with Cilantro Pesto at your next summer shindig.

Bursting with flavor and nutrients this cool shot teases the palate. I love them because you can whip this up in a blender and chill the day before. You don’t have to heat up your kitchen on a hot day.

Team bulding

At our cooking parties we make things people can easily replicate at home. I have made this one Red Pepper soup for years but it is time intensive. I love helping people discover simple ways to make delicious food for their families and friends.

The key to this recipe is tasting as you go. If you like it a little hotter, add a little more jalapeno. Make sure to puree the peppers well. If you like it a little creamier add a little cream or yogurt. These little shooters are topped with a swirl of Cilantro Pesto but you could top with a little Creme Fraiche or yogurt..

The little glasses I serve them in are from the local dollar store. I think they are $1 for 6. How great is that? I use them to serve mini portions of chocolate mousse.

If you live in Orange County I am kicking off my summer series through the City of Brea. It would be fun to have you join me! Next Monday is Summer Grilling and I love this menu full of ideas for your summer entertaining:

Peach Raspberry Agua Fresca; Grilled Corn; Crema Cilantro Bruschetta; Grilled BBQ Shrimp with Spice Rub; Grilled Rib Eyes with Chipotle Honey Barbecue Sauce; Grilled Veggies with Jerk Seasoning; and White Chocolate and Berry Ice Cream Sandwich

The following week is Summer Pies. We will be making:

Nectarine Raspberry Streusel Pie, Cherry Bourbon Pie, Blackberry Lemon Thyme Hand Pies, and Peach Pie Pops

There is also a Cooking With Beer, Italian Garden and a Farmer’s Market class. Come have some fun playing in the kitchen! You can see the line up on the calendar.

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Chilled Red Pepper Shooters with Cilantro Pesto

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 0 Serves 6 – 8 1x
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Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 large (ripe tomatoes, halved)
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers or pequillo peppers
  • 4 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 jalapeno (seeded and minced)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon sherry vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Cilantro Pesto
  • 2 cups cilantro
  • 1/2 cups blanched almonds
  • 1/4 cup red onion
  • 1/2 Serrano chile
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place the tomatoes, peppers, garlic, jalapeno, red pepper and 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar in the blender/food processor. Blend the soup until finely pureed. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle in the oil.
  2. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  3. In a food processor, pulse the cilantro, almonds, onion, chile, and salt until well blended. With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream.
  4. Add more oil as needed for your use.

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