epicureantease

~*~ Happy 4th of July!!! ~*~  What a wonderfully relaxing day it’s been!! It’s so very nice to take it easy and just chill!  🙂  Growing up in a county where fireworks were always illegal, it was quite a shock to move to a city where they were very much legal. I’ll never forget my first 4th of July in Sonoma County.  About a week before,  firework stands started popping up all over town and hundreds of mini firework shows were on display in the local park on the 4th.  Though some of my neighbors started on the 1st. It was incredible and so much fun!!

I picked up a few ears of corn the other day and was inspired quickly thereafter to try my hand at Elote!  Thank you, Instagram!  Elote, aka Mexican Street Corn, is simply corn on the cobb adorned with a combination of  salt, chili powder, butter, Cotija or Parmesan cheese, lemon or lime juice, mayonnaise or sour cream.  Although I’ve been hearing about this delicious snack for some time, I’ve refrained from giving it a try as I despise mayonnaise with a passion. As soon as I heard that leaving the mayo out or substituting with sour cream wouldn’t make much difference, I was gearing to go!

Funny enough, when it all came down to it, I used mayonnaise after all. I used very little mayo, maybe just under a tablespoon. So for all those who despise the popular condiment, I couldn’t even taste the mayo. Seriously.  The worst part is knowing that it’s used. If you can get over that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results! 🙂

Elote!

Elote

Corn on the Cobb
Butter, to taste
Mayonnaise, to taste
Salt
Cotija, finely grated
Chili Powder
Lime

Note: Milpas Chile Sal Y Limon seasoning found in your local Mexican market comes highly recommended from a good friend,  for seasoning Elote.  You can bet that I’ll be picking myself up a bottle very soon! 🙂

Cook the corn. I broiled it, but you can also grill it. While still hot, roll in butter, spread with mayo, sprinkle with salt, coat in cheese, dust with chili powder and add a few squeezes of lime. Eat immediately! 🙂

Elote!

As I prepare to head out to run a few errands before heading off to a BBQ and partake in a 7 year Firework tradition, I wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th!!  A heartfelt thank you to all the brave men and women, past, present and future, who have helped to keep our great country free! I honor you today and always!!

Happy Birthday America!!

“We stand for freedom. That is our conviction for ourselves; that is our only commitment to others. ”
~ John F Kennedy