Four ways to enjoy … fresh corn

Sunset, August, 2005 by Linda Lau Anusasananan

1 In relish; Cut raw kernels off the cob and mix with a little chopped red onion, chopped red bell pepper, toasted cumin seeds, rice vinegar, sugar, hot chile flakes, and salt. Great with grilled pork chops, steaks, chicken--and especially hot dogs.

2 Grilled: Pull back husks and remove silks. Grill ears, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Squeeze lime juice over corn and sprinkle with a mixture of chili powder and salt.

3 Cut into wheels: With a mallet or hammer, tap a heavy knife through husked ears of corn to cut them into wheels an inch or so wide. Cook them in boiling water just until hot, then drain and mix in a bowl with melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper.

4 In salad: Mix fresh corn kernels with bite-size pieces of butter lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Dress with a vinaigrette of extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tip

How to cut off kernels Hold husked ear of corn upright in a deep, wide bowl. With a large, heavy knife cut kernels off close to the cob, in a strip down one side. Rotate cob to shear off all the kernels.