Carne Asada Fries, Guacamole, Sour Cream and Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 3 large Avocado (ripe but still firm)
• 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.5 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
• 1 medium Roma Tomato (deseeded and finely diced)
• 1 piece Jalapeno (finely minced, seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 clove Garlic (minced)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
• 0.75 tsp Salt (or to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the avocados. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Immediately pour the lime juice over the avocado to prevent browning.

2. 2

   Mash to your desired texture. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the avocado to your preferred consistency. For a chunky guacamole, mash lightly, leaving some larger pieces. For a smoother dip, mash more thoroughly.

3. 3

   Add the remaining ingredients. Add the finely diced red onion, deseeded roma tomato, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and salt to the bowl with the mashed avocado.

4. 4

   Combine, rest, and serve. Gently stir all the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lime juice. For best results, let the guacamole sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Use pasteurized cream with at least 36% milkfat. Avoid ultra-pasteurized cream for best results.)
• 2 tsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed is best. Distilled white vinegar can be substituted.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine Ingredients

   • In a spotlessly clean glass jar, pour in the heavy cream.
   • Add the lemon juice and stir gently with a clean spoon for about 15-20 seconds until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. 2

   Culture at Room Temperature

   • Cover the jar's opening with a piece of cheesecloth or a coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band. This allows airflow while preventing dust.
   • Place the jar in a warm, draft-free spot (around 70-75°F / 21-24°C) and let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours.
   • After 24 hours, the cream should have visibly thickened to a consistency similar to yogurt and smell pleasantly tangy.
3. 3

   Chill to Thicken

   • Remove the breathable cover and replace it with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Transfer the jar to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
   • The sour cream will thicken considerably more as it chills.
4. 4

   Serve and Store

   • Once chilled and thick, give the sour cream a final stir to ensure a smooth consistency before serving.
   • Store in the airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Ingredients

• 2 slices Sourdough Bread (Thick-cut slices work best)
• 56 g Sharp Cheddar Cheese (About 2 thick slices or 1/2 cup shredded)
• 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Softened to room temperature)
• 1 pinch Salt (Optional, for the crust)

Instructions

1. 1

   Lay the 2 slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread the softened butter evenly across one side of each slice, reaching all the way to the edges.

2. 2

   Flip one slice of bread so the buttered side is facing down. Layer the cheddar cheese evenly over the unbuttered side. Place the second slice of bread on top, with its buttered side facing up.

3. 3

   Place a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat. Allow it to preheat for 1-2 minutes. Do not use high heat.

4. 4

   Carefully place the assembled sandwich into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom slice of bread is a deep golden brown and crispy. Press down gently with a spatula occasionally for even cooking.

5. 5

   Using the spatula, carefully flip the sandwich. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until it is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and beginning to ooze.

6. 6

   Remove the sandwich from the skillet and place it on the cutting board. Let it rest for one minute before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from running out. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.