Foodie Fridays: “Savor” Elote and Other Tasty Corn Concoctions

There’s nothing so quintessentially summer as the Fourth of July. It’s that sticky-hot time of the year where fireworks, pool-parties and of course, cookouts dominate your weekend plans. You may feel as though you’re bound to the same-old same-old when it comes to your food options: hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, pasta salad, whatever that green gelatin stuff is that your aunt always makes but no one touches, and of course, corn on the cob…

But did you know that corn can be a gourmet item fit for any occasion? That it can be the centerpiece to your next summer get-together with family or friends?

We’ll let you in on a little secret; corn is a versatile, delicious, crunchy and sweet delight that can be crafted into a thousand different dishes. From putting it on the grill and topping it with a savory pesto butter, to frying it into crunchy and sweet fritters served with honey, corn is becoming trendy food item with its roots in classic cuisine. Believe it or not, cream corn popsicles are a thing, and a delicious one at that!

Savor by JPC Event Group has taken note of corn’s epic potential for being a delicious dish, and have created our own twist on the classic elote. For the uninitiated, elote is a Mexican-style corn on the cob that is typically boiled or grilled in a husk, and can be topped with a number or spices and condiments, like chili powder, lemon pepper, sour cream, and cheese. Naturally, our take on the elote has elevated it to the point where it’s so delectable it’s almost sinful. Served on warm smooth black river stones, the corn on the cob is topped with bacon cheddar, cilantro butter, and black pepper parmesan.

Veronica Varos Photography

After you’re done drooling over the thought of the elote, why not try to make it yourself over this Fourth of July weekend? It’s hot, delicious, a twist on an old favorite, and sure to please everyone. It’s also a great way to experiment with toppings, and get creative to make your own unique dish. Try this recipe to get you started; it’s filled with cheese, spices, and all things good!

Mexican Street Corn: Elotes

As seen on seriouseats.com.

Yield: Serves 4
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Special equipment: grill

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/2 cup finely crumbled cotija or feta cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho or guajillo chili powder, plus more for serving
• 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 4 ears shucked corn
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Procedures

1. Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over half of coal grate. Alternatively, set half the burners of a gas grill to high heat. Set cooking grate in place, cover gill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate.
2. While coals heat, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir until homogenous and set aside.
3. When grill is hot, place corn directly over hot side of grill and cook, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and charred in spots on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
4. Transfer corn to bowl with cheese mixture and use a large spoon to evenly coat corn on all sides with mixture. Sprinkle with extra cheese and chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges.

From us here at Savor & JPC, have a happy (and tasty!) Fourth of July!