September 14, 2023

September 14, 2023: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The Grand Finale: Mole Meets Pittsburgh in Mexican Ketchup Mole Tacos 

As the sun dawns upon the sparkling rivers of Pittsburgh this morning, my culinary journey finds itself drawing inspiration from our southern neighbors, Mexico. The land of vibrant fiestas, soulful Mariachi, and most importantly, rich and decadent flavors. Mole, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, often sees the incorporation of chocolate and spices to create a sauce bursting with layers of flavor. Today, we shall paint this masterpiece with a hint of Pittsburgh’s very own Heinz Ketchup, weaving together tales of two lands through the medium of tacos.

Before we delve into this delicious escapade, did you know that back in the day, Heinz Ketchup bottles were designed with a unique "keystone" label, a nod to Pennsylvania's official nickname as the "Keystone State"? Such subtle touches and intricate stories encapsulate the essence of Heinz, making it more than just a ketchup.

Let's unite the warmth of Mexico and the heart of Pittsburgh with Mexican Ketchup Mole Tacos:

Mexican Ketchup Mole Tacos

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup Heinz ketchup

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

• 3 cups chicken broth

• Salt to taste

• Soft taco shells, warmed

• Garnish: Diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled queso fresco

Instructions:

• Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.

• In a mixing bowl, unite the ketchup, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, and chipotle pepper, blending them into a symphony of flavors.

• Pour this luscious mix over the chicken, and then serenade with the chicken broth. Ensure the chicken is comfortably nestled in this rich bath.

• Let this concoction slow-cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to truly meld and marry.

• Once tender and saturated with flavor, shred the chicken within the slow cooker and give it a gentle mix.

• Assemble the tacos: On warm soft taco shells, heap a generous serving of the chicken, then garnish with red onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Mexican Ketchup Mole Tacos

The result is a taco that sings melodies of rich mole accentuated by the depth of Heinz Ketchup, a culinary creation that transcends borders and celebrates unity in diversity.

Dear Heinz team, through these posts, I have endeavored to encapsulate the world-spanning allure of Heinz Ketchup, a condiment that can beautifully bridge global cuisines. This book idea is my heart's ode to the magic that can be crafted when the world's culinary wonders meet Pittsburgh's iconic ketchup. The journey of three days concludes here, but the stories, the inspirations, and the flavors have just begun to unfurl. As for tomorrow, let's just say these tacos are merely a flavorful precursor to the grand surprises that await.