Green Corn Food

CORN AND GREEN CHILE CHOWDER

Steps:

• Set a 6-quart multi-cooker to the saute setting and add the butter. Add the bacon, onions and oregano and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions start to become translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the green chiles, corn and garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add 3 cups of the chicken stock.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the remaining 1/3 cup chicken stock. Add to the multi-cooker and stir well. Cover and position the vent to the sealing setting. Set the multi-cooker to pressure-cook on high for 5 minutes. When the time is up, carefully quick release the steam (it takes about 3 minutes), then remove the lid.
• Mix in the heavy cream. Stir in the cheeses until they have melted completely. Check the seasoning; add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately garnished with the green onions.

EL CHOLO'S GREEN CORN TAMALES

Steps:

• Cut both ends of corn, remove husks and save for wrapping. Cut corn kernels off the cob. In a food processor, grind the kernels with the cornmeal.
• Beat shortening and butter together until creamy. Add the sugar, half-and-half and salt. Add the corn mixture and mix well.
• For each tamale, overlap 2 corn husks. Spread some of the corn mixture onto the husks. Place 1 cheese strip and 1 chile strip on top of the mixture. Top with more corn masa. Bring the edges of the corn husks over the filling to cover completely. Place the husk on a piece of square parchment paper. Fold ends of corn husks, then fold sides of parchment over tamale and fold up ends. Tie string around ends to hold in place. Continue until all tamales are tied. Place on a rack and steam approximately 35 to 45 minutes.