Mean Chefs Mexican Crema Recipes

CREMA

Steps:

• Whisk the sour cream and heavy cream together in a bowl, then add the salt and the lime juice, and whisk again. Cover the bowl, and allow it to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours and ideally overnight. It will thicken nicely. Use right away, or transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

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.

MEAN CHEF'S TURKEY GRAVY

Steps:

• When the turkey is done, transfer it to a serving platter to rest and set aside.
• Pour the pan drippings into a 1-quart glass measure, medium bowl, or gravy separator.
• Leave any browned bits in the bottom of the roasting pan.
• Let stand for 5 minutes.
• Using a large spoon, skim the clear yellow fat that rises to the surface and reserve (or pour fat out of separator into another bowl).
• If the drippings don't seem dark enough, pour half back into the roasting pan and set over two burners.
• Bring to a boil over high heat.
• As the drippings reduce they will darken.
• Pour in the remaining drippings until the liquid in the pan is as dark as you want.
• The amount of drippings will decrease, but the finished gravy will be darker and taste better without having to resort to something from a bottle.
• Remove browned drippings and Add enough stock to the drippings to measure 4 cups total cooking liquid.
• set aside Set the roasting pan on top of the stove over 2 burners on moderately low heat.
• Add 6 tablespoons of the reserved fat to the pan.
• Sprinkle the flour into the pan, whisking constantly.
• Let the mixture bubble, whisking constantly, until it browns, 1 to 2 minutes.
• It is important to let the mixture cook for a minute or two to allow the flour to lose its raw taste, but adjust the heat as needed to keep it from burning.
• Whisk in the cooking liquid, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
• Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking occasionally.
• If the gravy seems too thin, increase the heat to medium and boil until it is as thick as you wish.
• If desired, strain the gravy through a wire sieve to remove any extraneous bits of drippings.

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.

MEAN CHEF'S SAUTEED MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat.
• Add the mushrooms.
• Do not move the mushrooms until they have caramelized on the bottom.
• If you toss them too soon, they will release their liquid and begin to steam.
• When the bottoms are caramelized, toss them and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.
• Add the butter and continue to cook and toss for 5 minutes, until beautifully browned.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the garlic.
• Saute another 2 minutes, and add the thyme and lemon juice.
• Cook to evaporate the liquid.
• Add the wine and reduce until the mushrooms are glazed with the sauce.
• Toss in the parsley and serve immediately.