New Mexico - The Land of Enchantment, State flower: Yucca

1. Cantaloupe-Tomato Soup
2. Avocado and Pinon Nut Salad
3. Southwest Tamale Pie
4. Mexican Rice
5. Adobe Bread
6. Caramel Custard Pie

Adobe Bread - Makes two loaves

1 ¼ oz. package dry yeast
¼ cup warm water
1 Tbsp shortening or melted lard
1 tsp salt
4-½ cups flour
1 cup water

Soften yeast in the warm water in a large mixing bowl. Then, mix in the melted lard or shortening and the salt.

Add flour alternately with water, sifting in flour a little at a time and beating well after each addition to assure a smooth mixture. You will likely have to knead in the final cup of flour.

Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, brush lightly with fat, cover with dry cloth and set in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour.

When dough has doubled in bulk, punch down, turn onto a floured board or Roul'pat and knead for about 5 minutes. Divide into two equal parts and shape into two round loaves on a well-oiled board, baking tin or Exopat baking mat.

Cover the loaves with a dry cloth, set in a warm place and let rise for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400º and bake for 50 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when thumped. Cool; cut into wedges before serving.

Click on State name...it will take you to its menu and recipes.