Recipes Using Crema Mexicana

HOMEMADE MEXICAN CREMA

Steps:

• Mix
• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it out at room temperature for 3 hours.
• Serve or Store
• Transfer to a serving bowl if using right away, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate if storing.

CHICKEN A LA CREMA

Steps:

• Brown chicken in olive oil in a Dutch oven over high heat until nice and dark on both sides and fat has rendered, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a bowl.
• Reduce heat to medium and add onion, mushrooms, and salt to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, cumin, dried oregano, garlic, and poblano peppers. Cook and stir until peppers begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
• Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaf; stir and increase heat to high. Stir in 1 cup creme fraiche and fresh oregano and bring to a simmer. Add chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot, nestling them into the broth so they are covered. Reduce heat to low or medium-low to maintain a gentle, steady simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Use tongs to carefully transfer chicken to a bowl and let cool enough to handle. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook until braising liquids have reduced by about half, 15 to 20 minutes, skimming off fat from the surface as it cooks.
• Meanwhile, remove and discard skin and bones from chicken (or save to make stock). Break up the meat into large or small pieces and save any edible drippings.
• Reduce heat to low and add chicken meat and drippings to the sauce. Simmer until chicken has absorbed the flavor from the sauce, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat and stir in chopped cilantro and remaining creme fraiche. Taste to adjust salt and seasonings.

FRESAS CON CREMA (MEXICAN-STYLE STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM)

Steps:

• Combine sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Gently fold in diced strawberries.
• Divide strawberry mixture into 2 serving dishes. Refrigerate for 1 hour for flavors to meld.

GRILLED CORN, CREMA MEXICANA & CILANTRO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Rub corn with vegetable oil. Season corn with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; grill until slightly charred and tender. Slice corn off the cob in wide strips.
• Grill bread slices and rub with garlic clove.
• Mix crema mexicana or sour cream with feta.
• Smear toasts with crema mixture. Top crema with grilled corn. Squeeze a lime wedge over each. Garnish with cilantro leaves and sprinkle with chili powder.

CREMA MEXICANA

Steps:

• Heat the cream on the stovetop until slightly warmer than room temperature. (about 100 degrees with a thermometer).
• Remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream.
• Pour into a glass jar. Place the lid on top of the jar but don't tighten it. Put the jar in a warm room for at least 4 but up to 12 hours. It will be thickened and you can use it then (especially if using as a sauce in a dish such as enchiladas), or refrigerate for another 4 to 12 hours to thicken even more.

MEXICAN CREMA

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
• The cream is ready to use now, or it can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.