Ancho-Cashew Mole Sauce Recipe

Remove stems and seeds from chiles, reserving 2 tablespoons seeds; discard stems. Tear chiles into large pieces, and place in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, turning pieces occasionally (be careful not to burn the chiles). Combine chiles and boiling water in a large bowl; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain.

Combine chiles and tomato in a large bowl; set aside. Combine sesame seeds and cashews in skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 minutes or until the sesame seeds are lightly browned, shaking the skillet frequently. Add reserved chile seeds; cook an additional 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Add sesame seed mixture to tomato mixture in bowl; set aside. Place tortilla in skillet over medium heat. Cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Tear tortilla and toasted pumpernickel bread into large pieces; add to tomato mixture.

Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 4 minutes or until tender. Add raisins and next 5 ingredients (raisins through cloves); cook 2 minutes or until raisins plump, stirring constantly.

Combine raisin mixture, tomato mixture, and 1 cup broth in a food processor; process until smooth. Press mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Combine mixture and remaining broth in skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in sugar and salt.