A Few Ideas for
Corn on the Cob and
CORN OFF THE COB!
Naturally, corn on the cob is an easy dish. You can boil it, grill it in foil, in the husk, out of the husk. Plenty of ways. But did you know there is plenty more you can do!
Corn on the cob
Most people boil corn to death. However a quick moist cooking is all it needs. The microwave is perfect for this. Remove the husks and as much of the silk as you can, place corn in a 8X8 microwave safe dish. Add water about 1/2” and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on fresh vegetable setting or even less - about 2-3 minutes depending on the strength of the microwave.
Remove carefully, drain, and enjoy it with that
killer butter recipe to the right.
So much for corn on the cob.
NOW CORN OFF THE COB!
Summer in a Skillet - Corn Sauté
Zipping corn off the cob does not require a new tool. a sharp knife will do. It is not hard if you do two things. Make a flat cut stem for the base, and stand the ear up in flat pan like a baking sheet or pie pan.
Carefully slice the kernels off the cob and they’ll fall in the pan. (You may also freeze corn kernels as well by blanching, then shocking the ears, first; then stripping them off the cobs and freezing them on sheet trays. Store in zip top bags for later.)
To use the corn kernels, try sauteeing with seared scallops, bacon and thyme for an easy one skillet summer meal. Add scallion, red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes. The fresh thyme and cracked black pepper are terrific complements to the sweetness of the corn.
This is one refreshing, healthy, easy 1 pot meal.
What to do with the Cobs?
Don’t waste the cobs, they’re full of flavor! You can turn your knife over, dull side against the cob and scrape the sweet, milky juice from the cobs.
Place the cobs in water to make a flavorful corn stock. This is a wonderful base for corn chowder or fish chowder. Use all the "milk" or juice from the cobs.
Sweet Corn Stock - Sauté carrots, onions, celery in butter or butter and oil mixture. Deglaze with white wine, Vermouth or Sherry. Add water to pot, sufficient to cover the cobs and then some. Gently boil - you now have delicious sweet corn stock.
To make a delicious chowder, fry bacon till crisp, remove to paper towel. In pan, sauté some cubed potatoes in the bacon fat, add mirepoix, soften. Add corn stock and corn kernels. Place mild white fish on top of soup, cover simmer until fish flakes. You may thicken if you like, or simply smash some of the potatoes to thicken. |