Crema Mexicana

FINDING: Most Mexican groceries, well-stocked general groceries (look for crème fraiche).

CHOOSING: Read the ingredient list on cream containers in Mexican groceries: some of these “cremas” are no different than stabilized sour cream (which relies on pectin, gum or carrigenan for thickeners rather than culture or butter fat), lacking the texture and cooking properties of real Mexican crema or crème fraiche.

STORING: In the refrigerator, well sealed, for up to 2 weeks.