I have been looking for a larger mortar&pestle but didn't really like the smaller opening of a Thai Granite M&P even though they are very beautiful. After lots of searching I decided on a Mexican Molcajete (mol-ca-hea-tea) style. They are traditionally made of porous Basalt (lava rock) but I wanted one that I could use for more bashing than the Basalt one can take (chips too much) so I found a Granite one from Target (best price of $19..95). I had to season it as a Basalt one needs by grinding uncooked rice or the like to remove any loose rock and to smooth it. It took about an hour and yes my wrist was sore.

On it's maiden voyage I made Salsa Verde using about 8 smallish Tomatillos, 2 jalapenos, 1 slice of onion chopped, 1 garlic clove, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and dried cilantro.

First you grill the Tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, and onion until soft. Place a pinch of sea salt, a couple of dashes of cumin, a couple of grinds of black pepper, garlic, and cilantro in the M&P. Grind to mix. Place the onion and jalapenos (slice the jalapenos) and grind. Now cut up the tomatillos and grind with the rest of the ingredients. This is my first experience with a molcajete and I must say it is very tasty with a nice texture. Yes this is very hot with 2 jalapenos but this is a shoot from the hip recipe. I have never used a lime/lemon squeezer until now and I must say that it rocks!