M'tucci's Holiday Goodies
/As the writer and photographer with M’tucci’s Restaurants, I get to work with talented people who are dedicated to creating great food. Another great benefit is getting to taste nearly everything I photograph for the website, social media and for this weekly newsletter.
All I can say after photographing the table of dishes that come with M’tucci’s Christmas Holiday Ham Meal is: “Damn, now that is ham!”
Our new partners near Kansas City, the Fantasma Family, produce a special spiral-cut Holiday Ham each year from pasture-raised Berkshire hogs that are never treated with hormones - all natural.
The Berkshire is a Heritage breed, which means the bloodline is pure and that they haven’t been cross-bred with other more common breeds that are generally associated with factory farming. The Berkshire originated in England and became popular because of the flavor of their bacon and ham. The breed was first brought to the U.S. in 1823. The American Berkshire Association was founded in 1875 when a group of farmers considered the breed too special to cross with more common pigs. Berkshires were a popular breed until just after WW II, when leaner pork produced from white-skinned pigs was in more demand.
In recent years, American chefs have sung the praises of the quality of the pork from this breed and there has been a resurgence of Berkshires. Farmers who raised Berkshire pigs and other Heritage breeds, such as Duroc or Iberian, tend to avoid mass-production farming and rely on vegetarian feed, open pasturing and no hormones or antibiotics. An Ohio State study found that pasture-raised pigs have 300 percent more vitamin E and 74 percent more selenium (a vital antioxidant) in their milk than pigs raised in cages. Plus, chefs say the pork is healthier and simply has more flavor.
The M’tucci’s Holiday Berkshire Ham, finished with our Pineapple Shrub glaze will be the highlight of your Holiday dinner. Quantities are limited, so order one soon. Kits may be picked up from 12/22 through the 24th.
Let Chef Cory show you how easy it will be to complete your Holiday meal. Now on the M’tucci’s YouTube Channel.
Don’t miss the opportunity to win an $100 M’tucci’s Gift Certificate by building the most creative Gingerbread House from our Holiday Festivity Kit. The rules are included in each kit. Our Executive Chef Brianna demonstrates a few tricks on M’tucci’s YouTube Channel.
M’tucci’s Shrubs are Easy to Find
You can find our four Shrubs (individual bottles or in Shrub Cocktail Kits) in all of our locations, in New Mexico Total Wine & More stores, in Jubilation Wine & Spirits in Albuquerque and at Susan’s Fine Wines & Spirits in Santa Fe.
What, you’re not in New Mexico? No worries, because now you can buy our Shrubs on our new Amazon Store Front. Click here
M’tucci’s Gift Certificates
When you buy an $100 Gift Certificate, we’ll give you an additional $20 Gift Certificate. The perfect stocking stuffer for friends, family and employees. Available at all locations, buy in-person until 12/31/2020.
M’tucci’s YouTube Channel
In addition to cooking tips, recipes and techniques, there are videos on making cocktails and behind-the-scenes looks at some of our products. Today, we introduce a new Weekly Feature with some of our team telling you about some of the special items that are available this week. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and receive notification when a new video is Live.
Weekend Specials
M’tucci’s Italian
12 oz Hand Cut NY Strip - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $29
Pan-Seared Ruby Trout - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichokes, Sautéed Arugula, Lemon Caper Sauce $21
Gelato: Strawberry & Salted Caramel
Sunday Only: Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs, Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and House BBQ Sauce for $27
M’tucci’s Moderno
10 oz Cranberry - Brined Sackett Farm Pork Chop - Roasted Vegetables, Cranberry Balsamic Reduction $21
Pan-Seared California Halibut - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $23
Pesto Ravioli - Roasted Artichokes, Grape Tomatoes, Shallot Pesto Cream Sauce, Parmesan & Basil $19
Gelato: Lemon Berry
Sorbetto: Strawberry Blend
Sunday Only: House Made Lasagna with Herbed Ricotta, Five Pork Bolognese and Roasted Tomato Marinara. $16 (it’s large)
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Hand Cut 7 oz Hanger Steak - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Smoked Blackberry Bone Marrow Butter $21
Herb-Roasted Whole Game Hen: Crispy Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes, Grilled Green Beans, Strawberry Mint Coulis $18
M’tucci’s Apple Cider: Trey made apple cider from Red Delicious apples and some spices. It is good warm or cold, with a shot of rum, bourbon or au natural. $4.50/Qt only at M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Gelatos: Dark Chocolate Malted Milkshake Swirl
Sorbetto: Pineapple Lime
Thanks for reading. See you next week. Buon Natale e Ciao!
