Five Delicious Uses for Summer Corn
August 3, 2012
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Le Cordon Bleu
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Five Delicious Uses for Summer Corn
Corn plants are second only to tomatoes for their prodigious fruiting. If you are growing corn in your garden this year, then you will need to find something to do with all of those ears. Corn is an extremely versatile grain that you can use in hundreds of different dishes. It can be served as a sweet side or stand alone as hearty main course. And it’s so simple to use that you don’t need a cooking degree to use it in your dishes. It’s a great addition for added texture or sweetness in everything from salads to salsa.
We’ve put together this short list of some of our favorite uses for fresh corn. Some may be new to you, and others may be old family favorites. Either way, enjoythis sweet, summertime treat while you can. It won’t last forever.
- Corn on the Cob
There may be no better way to enjoy the sweetness and texture of fresh corn. Instead of the usual culinary techniques of peel and boil, try keeping the corn wrapped in its husk and grill it over an open flame. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Soak the ears in water for ½ hour prior to cooking. Peel the charred husk and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Creamed Corn
Don’t wince. This won’t taste like anything you find in a can from that tall, green guy. Start with fresh corn scraped from the cob and simmer in boiling water for five minutes. Add some sugar, flour, butter, and cream. Salt to taste. Try fresh chives and/or diced red and green peppers for a splash of color and flavor.
- Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a great addition to any holiday table. Preserve some of your corn for use in this rich and delicious casserole this fall and winter. Your family cookbook probably has a recipe that starts with cheese, breadcrumbs, butter, spices, peppers, and onions. If not, a quick Internet search will bring some tasty results
- Corn Bread
Grinding your own corn flour is not as difficult as you might think. If you can’t imagine doing it yourself and you live in an agricultural area, you can probably still find a mill that will happily turn your corn into flour for you. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, then you can purchase several different grain mills online. Use your fresh corn flour to make the best corn bread you’ll ever have.
- Corn Chowder
Whether you make it in the traditional New England style or a spicy Southwestern style, corn chowder is an excellent use for your fresh summer corn. You can make a two-gallon batch and freeze it for use all winter long. Two- and four-quart, plastic containers are the best for storage. They have plenty of capacity and freeze well.
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