The first time my husband and I enjoyed a mole dish was in 1998. He was living and working in Boston...I was in my senior year at Penn State University.
I was visiting Massachusetts for a long weekend ~ we spent the day at a Red Sox game ~ he took me to Sol Azteca for dinner. We both recall a, "Mole Poblano" meal that was out of this world delicious!
We weren't married back then...we weren't even engaged, but...
it was one of those memorable weekends in your life (especially as you grow older) you wish you could relive ...over and over again...
I knew I loved him. I knew he loved me.
I think I even knew in 15 years we would be married...have two beautiful children...and be cooking a chicken mole together in the kitchen of our 200+ year old home...
Perhaps I didn't know that back then...
But tonight...over this meal...thinking back to that weekend...it all just seemed so clear....
This was how ...it was always meant to be!
We have thrown together moles in the past, but we wanted to follow a recipe. We were craving that rich, nutty, spicy chocolate flavor we so associate with an authentic Chicken Mole.
We checked Bayless, we checked Flay, we almost went with Tyler's or Emeril's...but whose recipe did we settle on??? God Bless her... PAULA DEEN'S recipe for a Quick and Easy Chicken Mole!
Two things...we didn't strain the sauce...just pureed it ALL until smooth and then added it ALL to the pot to braise with the chicken. Serve with white rice and garnish with toasted pepitas and cilantro! HEAVEN ON A DISH...OR IN A BOWL...however you choose to serve it....just serve it...! :)
9 comments:
I agree "God bless her". Even though I don't own a single cookbook of hers, I'm a Paula Dean fan. I appreciate this recipe as I've never made Chicken Mole because Rick Bayless suggests it should be an all day event. Another bookmarked.
What a great post, a beautiful ode to your marriage. The mole looks incredible.
It's possible to spend most of your natural life making mole. I'm in favor of quick and easy.
I love your intro into this recipe :)
I also love mole, though I have never tried to make it at home.. I've always been so intimidated by it. Maybe I'll give this recipe a shot.. I mean it does say quick and easy :)
Such a fun story! I've made Bayless' mole, it was delicious but man what a MESS!! I'll have to give Paula's a try it sure looks good!!
This looks sooooo good!
Such gorgeous pictures. And I know exactly what you mean about those meals that just stay with you. Nb, just discovered your blog and have had the most divine hour trawling through the archives with a cup of tea. Thank you!
Aw, sweet story! I love your "mushy" post!
And the mole looks delightful. Never made it at home...need to fix that.
Lovely history behind this dish...and beautifully prepared!
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