I’ve been writing this blog for 3½ years. In blog years, that is like, eternity. I’m sure there are those who wonder, why bother? Why spend money to get it up and running and then hours a week on something that brings you no income, no direct contact with your audience? I can very easily tell you why. It’s reading about people’s favorite teachers which gave me so much hope about our new school and the upcoming year. It’s sharing some personal and kind of painful stuff and getting love and support in return. I often say this but sitting here in our little study, typing, watching the cars drive by, I most often feel that there are five people reading my blog. And then I share on a more personal level, and I am blown away by the support. So. Whether you are a first time reader, a first time commenter, someone who visits often and comments often or someone who has just commented for the first time, I want to thank you for being here and for supporting me, on many different levels.
One more thing, before we move on to corn. The winner of the $50 Target gift card is comment #92 (randomly generated and coincidentally, the year I graduated college). Congratulations Jennifer! I will contact you to get your mailing address!
Without further ado, I have to ask are you tired of corn yet? Is it possible to be tired of corn? Let’s talk about corn. What is your favorite way to eat corn?
Up until very recently, I would have said “boiled for three minutes, slathered with butter, showered with salt”. Because corn is pretty perfect that way. Especially if it is height-of-the-season farmers’ market corn. Which is the only time I buy it. Certain vegetables I buy all year regardless of the season. Broccoli, carrots, onions, potatoes, the usual. All of those taste pretty good to me whether I buy them in January or July. Tomatoes taste terrible in the winter but I need tomatoes in my life and yes I know they are a fruit. Corn and asparagus are things I eye warily in the produce aisle, suspicious of why they are there when spring and summer are one or two seasons away. But come late summer/early fall, I buy a lot of corn.
I catered a party for about 40 people last week and as soon as I saw this recipe, I knew I needed it on the menu. I tested it several times beforehand and with one bite, I knew I had a winner. I’m sure there are some of you out there who stubbornly believe that you don’t need to do much to corn to make it taste good and I encourage those of you to realize that not much is actually done here. The corn doesn’t even cook for that long but the time it does spend in a hot pan, it is accompanied by a bit of butter, shallots, cumin seeds, and tons of herbs. Like, tons. The original recipe called for higher quantities of tarragon and dill, but I say use what you have. At this time of year, I always have a lot of bits and bobs of herbs floating around and I used them all. Cilantro, basil, tarragon, dill, mint, parsley, chives – all of them went in. We are coming to the end of corn season but before we do, please give this a try.
One Year Ago: Saffron Cauliflower, Summer Squash Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Mint
Two Years Ago: Holly B’s French Bread, Thai Green Curry, Nectarine and Mascarpone Tart
Three Years Ago: Rosemary Aioli
Summer Corn Sauté with Tons of Herbs
Adapted from Bon Appétit
Serves 6-8
The only herb I wouldn’t use here is rosemary – I don’t think its unique flavor would mesh well with corn. Fresh oregano is pretty strong if you are using that, just add a bit. If you are doubling this for a party of 40, use two sauté pans and prepare for it all to be eaten.
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
2 large shallots, chopped
1 tsp. cumin seeds
6 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 8 large ears)
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped assorted herbs
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon
Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cumin seeds. Sauté until shallot is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add corn kernels, 1 tsp. coarse salt, and 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until corn is tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in all herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.