It's still winter

Well, it snowed in Portland again today, and I must say that I'm ready for Spring. Enough of this cold, gray, wet weather - come on! Maybe I should move to San Diego or the desert.

Quick Chicken Mole
Yields 6 to 8 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 chipotle peppers, roughly chopped
1 (10-ounce) can chicken broth
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 (5-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), for garnish
White rice, for serving

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and spices and continue to sauté to toast and develop flavor. Add diced tomatoes, peppers, chipotles, broth, peanut butter, and chocolate. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and puree until smooth.
Sear the chicken in a heavy bottomed hot sauté pan over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. Add to casserole dish, cover with sauce and braise the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Garnish with pepitas and serve with white rice.

Cumin Rice
Yields 4 to 6 servings

1 1/2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked, well-rinsed and drained
3 cups water
Salt
1/3 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Lime juice, to taste

To a medium saucepan add oil, cumin seeds and garlic, and cook over medium-high heat until seeds are sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until dry-looking and the kernels stop sticking to the pan and begin to color, 3 to 5 minutes. Slide pan off heat and slowly pour the 3 cups water into the pan (there will be a good deal of steam); return pan to heat, add a large pinch salt and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Using fork, fluff rice and stir in cilantro and salt to taste. Add lime to taste and serve immediately.