Paco's Peach Parfait

Paco's Peach Parfait 

Serves approximately 20 people

2 cans peaches, drained, diced (40 oz. total)

2 to 3 jars maraschino cherries, drained, destemed, deseeded, sliced in half

1 box cream cheese (8 oz. box)

1 cup powder sugar *I've used regular sugar when in a pinch and it works also

1 tub cool whip (16 oz. tub)

1 box peach Jell-O (3 oz. box)

1 bowl small curd cottage cheese (24 oz. bowl)

1 bag miniature marshmallows (10 oz. bag)

2 cup pecan quarters, divided - 1 cup for inside the mix and 1 cup to sprinkle on top 

Empanada de Camote (Sweet Potato)

 Empanada de Camote (Sweet Potato)

Makes about 3 1/2 doz.  

Green Chili Cheese Fries

Inspired by a local restaurant, where the best dish to order was a green chili cheese fry. It came smothered in green enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese... 

Since I am not in the habit of eating at any restaurant these days, I thought I would share my version of the green chili cheese fries. With photos...

Paco's Biscochos

Paco's Biscochos

Also known as Biscochitos, New Mexico’s Official State Cookie. 

We are on a quest to revive holiday traditions from both of our families. The cookie tradition has been a bit of a challenge since we do not have Mom's recipe. 

I have tasted many different kinds of biscochos over the years, and have never really been a fan of biscochos because of the star anise. I never had the opportunity to have one of Mom's biscochos. 

We are building our recipe off Tonie's memory of Mom using frozen orange juice, rolling the dough into balls, and smashing them between the palms of her hands. Tonie has that memory of tasing orange juice in her cookie; that when you take a bite and suck on it, it just tasted so soft, juicy and dissolve-in-your-mouth good. 

Last year's trial was not quite right, but this year (2022) I think we have tweaked, tested and came up with the best biscocho ever! 

Like my Mother-in-law before me, I do not use anise in my biscochos. 

Update 2025: I made three batches this year. I have tried using gluten free flour and a Splenda/sugar blend to make the Biscochos for a friend and they worked out well. I have also tried a batch with the Splenda/sugar blend with regular flour and we loved that as well. 

Great-Grandma Sophia's Poppy Seed Kolaches

Paco’s Remake Kolaches

Based on Great-Grandma Sophie's Poppy Seed Kolaches Recipe

Makes about 2 dozen Kolaches

Paco's Pork Pozolé

I just had this recently, and hit the spot!!! I've also made it with beef and chicken. You can always add more or less of any of the ingredients.

2 - 3 pounds of pork, cut into bite-size pieces

4 to 6 c chicken stock - depending on how soupy you want it

1/2 medium onion, diced

1/2 head shredded cabbage

3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced

2 c red chili sauce (the kind that comes frozen)

Fried Rice, Beef & Veggies

Tonight's Dinner: Fried Rice and Beef with random veggies

I used cabbage and carrots because that's what I had in the fridge AND they needed to be used! But this can be made with any veggies, really - fresh, canned, frozen - just pick two. I've made it with any protein too - chicken, pork, beef & shrimp - just cook to recommend temp before eating.