Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      whole         beef tri-tips -- about 2 lbs. each
                        salt and pepper to taste
                        ***CUMINUNLIME MARINADE***
   1 1/4  cups          beef broth
     2/3  cup           lime juice
     1/2  cup           olive oil
     1/4  cup           ground cumin
   3      tablespoons   ground coriander
   5      cloves        garlic -- minced
                        ***JALAPENO MARINADE***
   1 1/2  cups          white wine
   8      ounces        diced jalapeno chilies
   3      tablespoons   dried oregano leaves
     1/3  cup           olive oil

Preparation:

In Santa Maria along the Central Coast of California, a tradition was started of barbecuing a marinated beef tri-tip and serving it with pinto beans, sourdough bread and salsa. The two marinades featured here offer two distinctively different flavors. Either is easy to prepare and is an excellent complement to the robust flavor of the beef tri-tip. Remove all fat and connective tissue from the tri-tips. Prepare marinade of choice. Place tri-tips in non-reactive baking dish, such as glass or enamel; pour in marinade and cover. Refrigerate at least 6 hours, but no longer than 24 hours. Remove tri-tips from marinade and barbecue over medium-hot coals, turning occasionally, about 35 minutes for rare. Brush with oil frequently while barbecuing. To serve, cut across the grain into thin slices and season to taste. Makes 12 servings. CuminUnLime Marinade: Mix all ingredients together in a non-reactive bowl. Makes about 2 1/4 cups.