The Love of Chipotle and Honey

Zick Rubin was one of the first social psychologists to study love.  Rubin spent many years studying hundreds of couples, trying to distinguish specific characteristics between ‘liking’ and ‘loving.’  In the end, he and his fellow psychologists concluded that measuring the complex feeling of love could not be scientifically observed, and that poets and novelists had a better understanding of love than science could ever discover.  Not really a shocker if you think about it.

Another type of ‘love’ is the marriage of ingredients in cooking.  On their own, the ingredients seem individually distinct and sometimes seemingly contradictory, however when you put them together, they create a totally new flavor that seems, well…logical.

If you’re interested in testing that theory, try my Sweet Chipotle Dressing, which blends the natural sweetness of honey with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers.  You’ll LOVE it!

The Enlightenment, Chapter  14  “….Tori turned to the counter where she had several trays lined out and pointed them out.  “Those are bacon-wrapped, cream cheese stuffed cherry peppers; those are Gruyère cheese Gougères; that is a sweet chipotle dressing that I’ll toss with a chopped salad already chilling in the fridge; and that pan will eventually be steamed mussels with bacon, bourbon and jalapeños.  Oh, and I also baked some bread to soak up the broth from the mussels.”

Ben blinked several times in surprise and looked at her in bewilderment, “Wow! You even baked your own bread.   You have had an interesting day, haven’t you?  What can I do for you?  May I help?”

“You,” Tori replied, “may refill my wine, pour yourself a glass and go visit with Mom and Meda.  The first course should be ready in about fifteen minutes so I’ll let you know when I’m ready…”

Sweet Chipotle Dressing

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 roma tomato, diced and seeded
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Liquid Smoke, mesquite flavor
• 2 tablespoons chipotle puree
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1) Place all ingredients except for the olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth.

2) With the blender on, slowly add the oil in a thin stream until the mixture is fully emulsified.  Keep chilled until ready to serve.