"The Subtle Kick: Green Chile Stuffed Crust at Gold Street Pizza & Brew"

Imagine this: you're cruising through the last triangle of your pizza, already reminiscing about the toppings that were, when suddenly—bam—a kick of green chile from the stuffed crust hits you. That's the kind of crafty twist that keeps the ABQ pizza scene on its toes, and it's what makes Gold Street Pizza & Brew a must-visit spot in the South Valley.

Chris Brito, the maestro behind this culinary concoction, plays it like a maestro—giving a nod to New Mexico's chili pride without letting it steal the entire show. "It's like a little high-five from the crust," Brito says, grinning, knowing that he's offering a pizza experience with a built-in encore.

Step into Gold Street and the vibe is as sunny as the New Mexican sky—airy, open, with tunes that make your hips think about dancing. And if you’re not in the mood for that subtle chili high-five? The menu's got versatility written all over it: from Zia fries loaded like a treasure chest, to Chicago beef that'll make a grown man weep with joy. And let’s not forget those fried ravioli and green chile cheese bites—because who said appetizers can't be the star of the show?

With a crust roster that reads like a pizza lover's dream—deep dish, thin, cauliflower, gluten-free, and yes, that green chile stuffed masterpiece—there's something for every craving. So come for the pizza, stay for the nachos, and leave with a playlist of memories where every song is about that perfect bite.

How to Make New Mexican Style Green Chile Oil

Ingredients:

- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 2-3 roasted New Mexican green chiles (medium to hot, depending on your preference)

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp coriander seeds

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chiles:

- Start by roasting your green chiles if they aren’t already roasted. You can do this by placing them on a grill or under a broiler, turning occasionally, until the skins are blistered and blackened.

- Place the roasted chiles in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for about 10 minutes. This makes the skins easier to remove.

- Peel off the skins, remove the seeds and stems, and finely chop the chiles.

2. Infuse the Oil:

- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.

- Add the minced garlic, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds to the oil. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and the seeds are fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

3. Add the Spices:

- Stir in the chopped green chiles, dried oregano, salt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and smoked paprika.

- Continue to cook over low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Make sure the oil does not reach a boil; it should just gently infuse.

4. Cool and Strain:

- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

- Once cooled, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean, dry bottle or jar. Discard the solids or save them for another use, such as adding to soups or stews for extra flavor.

5. Store and Use:

- Store your green chile oil in a cool, dark place, like your pantry, for up to one month.

- Use it to drizzle over pizzas, pastas, grilled meats, or vegetables. It’s also fantastic for dipping bread or as a flavorful addition to marinades and dressings.

Tips:

- For a milder oil, use fewer chiles or milder varieties of green chiles.

- Make sure all your utensils and storage containers are dry to prevent any water from spoiling the oil.

- You can also experiment with adding different herbs or spices to create your own unique blend.

Enjoy your homemade New Mexican Style Green Chile Oil! It’s a versatile and flavorful addition to any kitchen.

Transform Your Pizza Box into a Food Dehydrator (AKA: Pizza Flakes Maker)

Why throw away produce when…

Every year, Americans waste about 30-40% of their food supply, which then contributes to the 8% of global greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Let's save the planet one slice at a time and turn that old pizza box into a DIY food dehydrator! This hilariously easy project will transform your leftovers into delicious dried snacks.

Materials:

- 1 large pizza box (clean, without grease – yes, that means ordering another pizza)

- Aluminum foil (to make it shiny like your future)

- Plastic wrap (because who doesn't love plastic?)

- Black construction paper (very goth, very functional)

- A utility knife or scissors (sharp objects: handle with care!)

- Tape (the universal fixer of all things)

- A small fan (optional, if you want to go high-tech)

- Wooden dowels or skewers (also optional, but let’s get fancy)

- Mesh or cheesecloth (to keep it all in place)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Box:

Open that pizza box and line the inside with aluminum foil, shiny side up. This will reflect heat and make your box look like a science experiment. Cover the bottom of the box with black construction paper. This will absorb heat and add to the mystery.

2. Create a Window:

On the top of the pizza box lid, cut out a rectangular window, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Make it artsy. Cover the window with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. This will allow sunlight in and create a greenhouse effect. Now your pizza box is officially smarter than your last smartphone.

3. Create Air Vents:

Cut small air vents on the sides of the pizza box to allow for airflow. You can make these by cutting small flaps and folding them back slightly. These vents are like your dehydrator’s nostrils.

4. Optional: Add a Fan:

If you have a small fan, place it near the air vents to enhance airflow. This will help to speed up the drying process and make you feel like an engineering genius.

5. Create Racks:

If you have wooden dowels or skewers, create racks to hold your food. Simply poke holes in the sides of the box and insert the dowels through the holes, creating a grid. Now it’s looking like a mini barbecue. Alternatively, use a piece of mesh or cheesecloth to lay your food on inside the box. It’s like a hammock for your snacks.

6. Place Your Food:

Arrange your food items on the racks or mesh, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not touching each other. Give them space to breathe – it’s yoga for your veggies.

7. Position Your Dehydrator:

Place the pizza box dehydrator in a sunny spot outside. The plastic wrap window should be facing the sun to maximize heat absorption. Your neighbors will be jealous of your eco-friendly contraption.

8. Monitor and Rotate:

Check on your food periodically and rotate the box if necessary to ensure even drying. You’re basically a helicopter parent for dehydrated snacks. Depending on the weather and the type of food, drying times can vary from several hours to a couple of days. Patience, grasshopper.

Dehydrating Specific Foods:

Red and Green Chiles:

Preparation: Wash and dry the chiles. Slice them into rings or halves, removing seeds if desired. Fun fact: Spicy foods can increase your metabolism by up to 8%! Drying Time: Chiles typically take 1-2 days to dry completely. They should be brittle and break easily when fully dehydrated.

Tomatoes:

Preparation: Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them into ¼ inch thick slices or cut cherry tomatoes in half. Did you know tomatoes are technically a fruit? Mind blown. Drying Time: Tomatoes can take 1-3 days to dry. They should be leathery and pliable when done.

Popular Herbs (e.g., Basil, Oregano, Thyme):

Preparation: Rinse herbs and pat dry. Remove leaves from stems if they are large. Herbs can improve memory by up to 75%. Okay, I made that up, but it sounds good! Drying Time: Herbs generally dry within 1 day. They should crumble easily when touched.

9. Enjoy Your Dehydrated Food:

Once your food is sufficiently dried, remove it from the dehydrator and store it in an airtight container. Congrats! You’ve just saved the planet one dehydrated snack at a time.

This DIY food dehydrator is an easy and cost-effective way to preserve your favorite foods using just a few household items. Happy drying, and remember, every little bit helps in the fight against climate change!