Mexican Ricotta Spread With Grilled Tostadas Food

MEXICAN RICOTTA CHEESECAKES WITH APPLE AND CRANBERRY COMPOTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place an oven-proof container with 2 cups water in the lower rack of the oven (this will create steam and help to prevent the cheesecakes from cracking).
• Put the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor and process to crumbs (about 2 cups). Add the butter and process until well combined.
• Divide the crumbs among the 12 muffin cups, patting them tightly with your fingers. Put the pan on a baking sheet and bake the crust until golden, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 10 minutes.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth and pale, and then beat in the requeson and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the orange zest and mix until just combined. Pour the custard into the cooled crusts.
• Bake until the cheesecakes are puffed and golden and a tester inserted 1 inch from the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool on a rack at room temperature for 35 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Carefully unmold each cheesecake and place on a platter. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Top each cheesecake with Apple Cranberry Compote, if desired, before serving.
• In a small heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Add the apples, cranberries and cinnamon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the cranberries are plump, about 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

SLOW-COOKER BRISKET TOSTADAS

Steps:

• Prepare the brisket: Whisk the lime juice, Maggi seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, half of the garlic and 1 serrano in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly. Place the brisket pieces in a large resealable plastic bag and add the marinade; turn the meat to coat. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or preferably overnight.
• Bring the meat to room temperature, about 45 minutes. Remove from the bag and discard the marinade.
• Pour the vegetable oil into the bottom of a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Add the onion, bell pepper, beef broth, tomatoes (and their juices), oregano, the remaining garlic and 2 serranos, 1 tablespoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Mix well, then nestle the meat in the vegetable mixture. Cover and cook on high until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork, about 8 hours.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a cutting board and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Shred the meat into pieces. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker, stir to combine and let stand until the meat is hot, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Assemble the tostadas: Spread about 1/3 cup of the warm meat on each tostada shell. Top with lettuce, avocado, salsa and queso fresco. Serve with crema and lime wedges.

CHICKEN TOSTADAS

Steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts and legs off of the whole chicken. Remove the skin. Shred the chicken off the bone and set aside in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, dress the romaine lettuce with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
• To assemble the tostadas, spread 1 tablespoon refried beans onto a tostada. Top with 1/2 cup shredded rotisserie chicken. Top with the dressed romaine lettuce, tomato and avocado. Drizzle with Mexican crema and top with crumbled queso fresco. Finish with pickled jalapeno peppers if desired.

SHREDDED BEEF TOSTADAS (SALPICON)

Steps:

• Put the brisket in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the meat by an inch. Add the onion quarters and 1/4 cup salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer partially covered until the brisket is very tender, 2 1/2 hours. Add more water if needed to keep the meat covered. Turn off the heat and let the brisket cool in the cooking liquid to room temperature. Drain the brisket, discard the water and cool completely.
• Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking the olive oil and vinegar in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the lime juice, red onion and oregano and whisk again. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
• Shred the brisket into a large bowl. Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, capers, cilantro and radishes and toss to combine. Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• To make the grilled tostadas: Heat a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Place a corn tortilla onto the hot pan until the tortilla is crisp with a slight char. Cook for about 5 minutes each side. Scoop the shredded beef salad onto the grilled tostada and garnish with some avocado slices.