Chorizo Fingers

1 pound lean boneless pork, cubed
1/2 pound lean boneless beef, cubed
1/4 pound fresh pork fat, cubed
3 cloves garlic, peeled, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon of mixed black pepper, nutmeg, cloves and ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil

In meat grinder or food processor fitted with steel blade, grind together pork, beef, pork fat and garlic. If using a food processor, be sure not to over process. Remove and discard any gristle.

Place meat in a large bowl. Add paprika, oregano, brown sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, hot pepper sauce, mixed spices, cinnamon, cumin and red wine vinegar. Knead by hand to incorporate all seasonings. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Form meat mixture into fingers about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add enough fingers to make a single layer and cook in hot oil, over medium heat, turning to brown all sides, for about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve Chorizo Fingers with Ancho Chili Puree.

Ancho Chili Puree

1 tablespoon olive oil
shells and heads from shrimp
2 shallots, peeled and diced
1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced
4 ancho chilies, seeded and chopped
2 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped
1 serrano chili, seeded
2 cups fish stock
1 tablespoon masa harina
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon honey
salt to taste

Heat oil in a small saucepan over high heat. When it just starts to smoke, add shrimp shells and heads and saute for 1 minute, stirring constantly, or until bright pink in color.

Add shallots, garlic and anchos. Lower heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes or until shallots, garlic, and anchos are lightly toasted. Add tomatoes, cilantro and serrano. Raise heat to medium and cook 2 minutes.

Add stock. Lower heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not reduce. Pour into a blender and puree until smooth.