Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes (like the Cheesecake Factory)

SERVES 4

Ingredients:

Salsa Verde

2 tomatillos, diced
4 ounces mild green chilies, drained and diced
1 green onion, minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground black pepper

Tomato Salsa

1 medium tomato, diced
1 tablespoon minced Spanish onion
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
1/4 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 dash salt
1 dash ground black pepper

Southwestern Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon water
3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch onion powder
1 dash salt
1 dash garlic powder

Cakes

1 1/2 cups frozen sweet corn
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup corn masa harina flour (corn flour)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Garnish

1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 avocado, diced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Prepare salsa verde by combining all prepared ingredients. Chill.

Prepare tomato salsa by combining all prepared ingredients. Chill.

Prepare southwestern sauce by combining all ingredients. Chill.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Prepare the tamale cakes by chopping 1 cup of the frozen corn in a food processor until it's coarsely pureed. Combine pureed corn with softened butter, sugar, and salt. Blend well.

Add masa and flour and blend well. Mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of frozen corn kernels by hand.

Measure 1/2 cup portions of the mixture and form it into 3" wide patties with your hands. Arrange the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cakes are browned on the bottom.

Carefully flip all cakes with a spatula and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until other side is browned.

Assembly:

Place all three cakes on a warmed serving platter. Dollop each with one of the three sauces. Garnish with diced avocado, cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.