Bernhard, 30.8.20: Mexico
This dinner was soundtracked by a teriffic Mexican album we found on Spotify: La Cantina, by Lila Downs. Heres the link
Bernhard knew from early on that when M came his way, he would choose Mexico, and prepare Pollo con Mole (Chicken with Mole sauce): a dish he’d had in Mexico City many years ago, which blew his taste buds and mind.
Pollo con Mole is a complicated, labour-intensive recipe, which involves toasting and crushing almonds and peanuts, rehydrating dried chillies, toasting and pasting seeds and spices, and mixing with melted chocolate, to create the distinctive dark, thick, aromatic Mole paste. Bernhard found a simplified version which makes use of peanut butter and raw chillies, which was much more manageable for the non-pro urban foodie…
The resulting dish had a flavour unlike any other chicken dish I’ve ever had: deep, rich and aromatic, both spicy and sweet. it wasn’t perfect – a bit too thick, with a slightly bitter after-taste – but very tasty and memorable. Something we’ll definitly try again.
The chicken itself was simply thighs & drumsticks, salted & peppered, baked for 30-35 minutes at 200*c in the oven
To accompany the flavoursome chicken I made Mexican Red Rice with veg, and a green salad. The freshness and tanginess of these proved to be an important balance next to the sweet & hot heaviness of the Mole.
For starters Bernhard made Lime & Tequila Shrimp, which were fresh, tart, and absolutely beautiful, and served Nachos with sharp home-made salsa.
For dessert we had a childhood favourite: sweet, velvety Aroz con Leche, or Rice Pudding, with cinnamon and fresh strawberries.
Drink: Modelo and Desperado beers, and Tequila.
Really good Tequila.
29/08/2020, 17:33 – on our Dinners’ WhatsApp chat:
Bernhard: 
Idit: Omg this is my killer
Bernhard: Hahahaha! There’s a drinking game called Tequila Killer 🙂
Idit:: Why am I not surprised
Bernhard: Hehe
Idit:: Is there room on the sofa? And I’ll need a bucket
Arianna: Sure 😝
Bernhard: Of course you’d say that… it’s not your sofa! There’s defo no room on the sofa if you need a bucket!!
Arianna: 😉
Lianne: Is it at Arianna’s tonight?
Bernhard: No, it’s at mine
Lianne: Lucky I checked, oh cool. I’m driving.
Bernhard: No don’t drive! I have tequila 😉
Lianne: All the more reason to drive!!!!! Keep me straight
Bernhard: Hahaha
Idit: See you then x
30/08/2020, 23:13 – on the way home
Idit: I’m in a taxi with a mask on – and I’m really breathing in all my alcohol fumes 🤪
Dorottya: 😄
31/08/2020, 9:46 –
Bernhard: Good morning everyone 🙂 How are we all feeling? 🙂
Arianna: Chillin’
Idit: Hehehe, Oliver said I was snoring like a trucker, but I woke up just fine. Tell you what – that was by far the best drink I ever had. Thank you so much for a delicious meal!
Dorottya: You know what – I am fine too! Not the slightest of hangovers, which is weird, considering! Lovely meal B!
Arianna: Same here! Not a headache in sight 😎
Lianne: Feeling virtuous! Fabulous food as ever!
Arianna: 😂😂 Yup, it was awesome 🙂
Bernhard: Speaks of a good tequila 🙂 Have a good week, all!
