These days you can’t go into a supermarket or visit your local farmers market and not see piles of fresh corn on the cob.  One of our favorite things about summer is corn!  It’s delicious boiled, grilled, microwaved or cut fresh from the cob.

Here’s some helpful tips and a recipe for one of our favorite ways to grill it!

1. How to buy:
Choose ears with bright green, snugly fitting husks that are fresh looking.  The silk should be dry not soggy.  The kernels should be plump and milky and come all the way to the ear’s tip. Don’t buy corn that’s been husked-the husk was probably removed by the market because it was discolored or wilted. An exception are the packages of already husked corn at Trader Joe’s. They’ve been husked, packaged and taste great!

2. How to store:
Store fresh corn in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one day after purchase. It’s best used the day you buy it.

3. How to grill:
Before grilling, remove all but the inner most layer of the husk.  Use scissors to snip off the tassel (the top, hairy part). The ear can now be grilled without soaking or further preparation. When cooked, simply peel back the remaining husk and serve.

4. How to boil:
In a large pot of water, add corn cobs.  Don’t add salt to the water as it makes the corn tough.  If you want the corn sweeter, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the water.  Bring water to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.

5. How to microwave:
Remove the husk and silk off each ear and wrap each with waxed paper. Cook on high (100% power) as follows: 1 ear-3 to 5 minutes; 2 ears-5 to 7 minutes; 4 ears-9-12 minutes.

6. How to remove the kernels from the cob:
Cutting the kernels from long ears of corn can be tricky. Tapered ears wobble on the cutting board and kernels go flying around the kitchen.  An easy way is to cut the ear in half crosswise and then stand the half ears on their cut surfaces, which are flat and stable.

Skinny Grilled Corn on the Cob

There are few things that scream “SUMMER” like grilled corn on the cob. Reduced-fat butter, a little salt and pepper are all you really need to bring out corn’s natural sweetness on the grill.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Grill Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

6 ears corn

3 tablespoons reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate.

2. Peel back corn husks and remove silk. Place ½ tablespoon butter, a little salt and pepper on each piece of corn. Close husks.

3. Wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil. Place on the prepared grill. Cook approximately 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until corn is tender.

4. Simply peel back the remaining husk and serve.

Makes 6 servings

Healthy Benefit
Corn is a good source of folate, fiber and contains a little niacin, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Weight Watchers (old points) 2
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3

This entry was posted Monday, July 11th, 2011 at 9:27 am and is filed under Recipes, Tips. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.