Basic Recipe for Achiote Coloring

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• 2 cups lard or vegetable oil
• 1 cup achiote (Annato) seeds, cleaned (see Glossary)

1. In a saucepan, heat fat. Turn heat to low, add achiote seeds and stir occasionally for 5 minutes, or until fat turns to a rich orange-red color.
2. Cool thoroughly. Strain through a colander with absorbent paper inside and pour into glass container. Cover, and store in the refrigerator, to be used by tablespoons, as called for in