ELOTE - (Mexican Street Corn) 4 servings

Elote just comes to mind when I think about utilizing the best of summer crops, like corn. I can just see the road-side stands now, filled to the brim with the lauded stuff. I grill it or boil it quickly inside then top it with all the things to make it even better. Great for BBQ parties and to put together at a picnic. It’s simple to top grilled corn on the cob with a tangy blend of mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, and finish it with a heavy sprinkle of Cojita cheese and cilantro.

4 ears of grilled corn on the cob

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice

½ teaspoon chili powder, plus more for sprinkling

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

¼ teaspoon kosher salt or a pinch of fine salt

2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) finely grated

Cojita cheese*

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

1. While grilling your corn, prepare the chili-mayo sauce and Cojita-cilantro blend. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, optional cayenne, and salt. Stir until combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the cheese and cilantro. Set both bowls aside.

2. When your corn is ready off the grill, brush the mayonnaise mixture all over one ear of corn. Over a plate, sprinkle the Cojita mixture liberally all over, turning the corn as necessary (it’s going to be a little messy, and that’s ok). Place the finished cob on a separate serving plate. Repeat for the remaining corn, using the cheese in the bowl and the excess on the plate as needed.

3. Sprinkle a pinch or two of additional chili powder lightly over the corn. Serve warm.

* Grilled corn offers extra flavor, but boiled or steamed corn on the cob works, too. Try using a fun variety of chili powder, like chipotle, ancho,

guajillo or Tajín as an alternative to basic chili powder. Some recipes use sour cream instead of mayonnaise (or a combination of the two), but I felt that the flavor was more muted with those variations. Even Greek yogurt would work for a lightened-up option. Omit cilantro if you’re not a fan.