“Almost Elote” Popcorn

Elote is that incredible food known also as Mexican Street Corn. Usually it is grilled, slathered with mayo & a powdered dry cheese, then sprinkled with spices and perhaps a squeeze of lime.

Since May’s Improv Challenge ingredients were cilantro & lime, I figured I’d try my hand with an elote version that wouldn’t need quite so many napkins!

First, I made the “sauce” to toss on the popped corn. I found these little cubes of goodness at the Mexican market. (I use them quite often when I’m cooking black beans or making my White Chili…)Tossed one of each into the 1/4 cup lime juice to soften

then added 1/2 cup melted butter.

 

I popped the corn in bacon grease. Yes, leftover bacon grease. I used 1 & 1/2 cups popping corn (popped in 3 batches). I dumped the hot kernels into a large lidded bowl & poured the butter/lime mixture over and shook well. Then I dumped the slightly wet corn into a pan, spread it out and stuck in a 300° oven for about 10 minutes to dry out. (Oh the smells that went wafting out the windows into my neighborhood!)

In the meantime I mixed 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon lime zest & 1 teaspoon dried cilantro. When the hot corn came out of the oven, this was generously sprinkled over…If you can spare any, package it in a bucket to give away.

Unfortunately, mine is all gone…

 

 

 

And here’s what my friends created with their cilantro & lime “ingrediaments”:

An InLinkz Link-up

catching up: Spinning Wheel Antiques

My dear friends Sara & Bob decided to open a little antique shop in Glendale’s Historic District. Spinning Wheel Antiques is the realization of a long-time dream for them. They had a few booths in various antique “malls” but those venues were hard hit by the economic downturn so closed their doors.

Bob & Sara looked around town for a place to open their own shop, and found this adorable 1942 bungalow available in Catlin Court.

I have had the joy of being able to help out now & then. I love the way Sara merchandises their collection of vintage finds.

Bob has “man stuff” in one of the rooms and vintage tools in the mudroom off the kitchen. He’s also allowed to display his “kitschy” items in the closet.

The kitchen overflows with beautiful wooden dry sinks, cast iron utensils & hand-carved rolling pins.

My favorites are the glass displays in the dining room.

The doll room is just brimming with nostalgia…

This incredible old thread cabinet catches your eye as you enter the shop

and this Edwardian mourning suit always catches me off guard: “How can I help you, ma’am?”

So, come see them anytime you are in Glendale. Well, not anytime, because they’re only open Saturdays until Sara retires from teaching school…

catching up: Mothers’ Day craftiness

Oh my! It’s been over a month since I’ve blogged…

I guess this sitting around eating bonbons has got to come to an end…

Really, I have been busy -- and a little too rushed to write about all our spring activities. I will try to make up for that with a spewing of posts the next couple days.

So, for my mom & MIL I made glass block nightlights. I found all the components at the HobLob. (I really love the cute little stands for the blocks.)I even cut matching cards. (These beautiful cut files come from the oh-so-talented Birds Cards.)

 

My mom gave me a beautiful cobalt salt cellar. (Now I need to find a matching glass master salt spoon…)