Creamy Tomato and Corn Soup

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 orange bell pepper, chopped

2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped 

1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups chicken broth
2 ears corn, cooked and removed from husks
1/4 cup half and half
salt and pepper to taste

Heat butter and olive oil in large stock pot over medium heat.  Add bell pepper and cook over medium low heat for 8-10 minutes.  Add tomatoes, tomato paste, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, sugar and broth to pot.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low.  Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. 

Use either a food mill or food processor to blend together.  Strain if using processor.  Add back to pan, add corn and half and half and warm the soup.   Salt and pepper to taste. Top with cilantro oil if desired.

Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

For the meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 pound chorizo
1 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3/4 cup milk
1 small shallot, finely chopped
3 eggs
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
3 tablespoons adobo sauce (from can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons canola oil

For the sauce:
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar


Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. To make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients, except the canola oil. Shape heaping teaspoons of the mixture into 1-inch balls. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, wiping pan in between, saute the meatballs, turning frequently for even browning, until cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Put meatballs in the oven once browned on all sides.
 
To make the sauce:
Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper and cook 1 minute. Stir in the remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low.

Add meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker.  Heat on low or keep warm until ready to serve.