Ah, Shucks, The Garden’s Nearly Gone

Corn is one of the most valuable crops grown in the United States. While High Country gardens have been blessed with plenty this year, only the “shucks” are left standing to serve as fall decorations for many, but more importantly, hopefully as a reminder of what we’ve stored away for a snowy day. Along with wheat, rice and potatoes, corn ranks as one of the most important crops in the world. When Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba in 1492, he sent two of his men to explore the island. When they returned, they told him about “a sort of grain called maiz.” History books tell us this was the first time white people had heard of the plant that we call corn, evolving through the years into a favorite commodity throughout North and South America. The United States produces about 50% of the world’s corn crop today, and some of the best is grown right here in these hills.

Roasted Corn On The Grill

Select tender, young sweet corn. Remove large husks; turn back the inner husks and remove silk. Spread corn with soft butter. Pull husks back over corn and place on grill 3 inches from hot coals, cooking 20-30 minutes, turning frequently. Serve at once with salt, pepper and butter.

Herbed Corn Bake

1 cup milk
½ cup mayonnaise
1 egg, well beaten
2 cups whole kernel corn,(drain, if canned)
1 cup herb seasoned stuffing
1 small onion, minced
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 Tbs. butter or margarine

Combine milk and mayonnaise; mix well. Add egg, corn, stuffing, onion and parsley. Pour into greased and floured baking dish. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over mixture. Bake in oven at 350 for 30 minutes. Makes about 6 servings.

Supper-time Corn Scramble

12 slices bacon, diced
2 cups corn, cut from cob
½ cup milk
12 eggs, slightly beaten
1 ½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
½ cup grated Cheddar cheese

Fry bacon in skillet until crisp. Drain, reserving grease. Return 3 Tbs. grease to skillet. Add corn and cook 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir in milk, simmer 2-3 minutes. Add eggs, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until set. Serve topped with bacon and cheese. Makes about 8 servings.

It may sound strange, but it has been recommended as a satisfying main dish for a hungry family.

Southern Fried Corn

2 cups fresh corn kernels, about 6 ears
2 Tbsp. butter, or use part bacon drippings
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
Sugar, optional

In a heavy skillet, heat butter over medium-low heat until foamy. Add the fresh corn kernels; cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Lower heat if necessary to keep butter from burning. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.

Taste and adjust seasoning, and add about 1 tsp. of sugar if desired. Serves 4.

Corn Fritters

2 cups flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
¼ cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
¼ cup melted butter
1 can whole kernel corn, drained (or about 1 ½ cups frozen, thawed or fresh)
Powdered sugar or syrup

Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Combine eggs, milk and butter. Fold in dry ingredients (add more or less flour - enough to bind batter); add corn last. Drop by tablespoons into hot vegetable oil and deep fry about 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar or served with syrup.

Easy Corn Casserole

3 eggs
2 cups whole kernel corn, fresh
2 Tbsp. butter
½ cup milk
½ tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup cracker crumbs

Beat eggs; combine with corn, butter, milk, sugar, salt and pepper. Pour into a buttered pan; sprinkle top with bell pepper and cracker crumbs. Dot with butter. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes or until done.

 

 

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.