New Recipes For An Old Favorite: Sweet Corn

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – For many Minnesotans, it's one of the best treats to have in the summer – sweet corn!

And this year Minnesota farmers are expecting a bumper crop.

While a classic corn on the cob always tastes good, Kirsten Shabaz of Valley Natural Foods shared some new recipes to help put a twist on a classic.

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Ingredients
10 ears of corn on the cob, husks and silks removed
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Silicone pastry brush
Tin Foil

Directions
Using the pastry brush to spread coconut oil over each ear of corn.
Wrap each ear separately with a piece of heavy duty foil or double wrap in standard foil.
Grill for 15 minutes turning cobs every five minutes.
Enjoy with salted butter or flavored butter (recipe below).

Chipotle Lime Butter

Ingredients
½ cup butter, softened
1 Tbsp.  ground chipotle pepper
1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro
1 tsp.  kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp. Lime Juice
Zest of 1 Lime

Toppings
Fresh cilantro
Cotija cheese

Directions
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients, except the Cotija cheese, until well blended.
Shape butter into a log (about 1 inch round x 8 inches long) on waxed paper.
Wrap, twist ends of wax paper and refrigerate until use.
Cut into medallions and place on cooked corn on the cob, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and Cotija cheese.

Citrus Honey Butter

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
1Tbsp. orange juice
1 Tbsp. minced chives

Directions
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until well blended.
Shape butter into a log (about 1 inch round x 8 inches long) on waxed paper.
Wrap, twist ends of wax paper and refrigerate until use.
Cut into medallions and place on cooked corn on the cob.

Southwestern Corn Relish

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. oil
1 serrano chili, minced
2 c. fresh corn cut off the cob
½ c. diced red or green bell pepper
½ c. red onion, minced
1 fennel bulb, cored & thinly sliced
Zest of 1 lime
¼ c. lime juice
½ - 1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. ground cumin

Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat, add the minced chili, corn, bell pepper, red onion and fennel.
Sauté for six to eight minutes, stirring often until vegetables are tender crisp.
Pour the cooked vegetables into a small bowl, add the lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper and cumin, toss to combine and serve with grilled hot dogs.

Sweet Corn Waffles

Ingredients
2 c. flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ¾ c. milk
½ c. melted butter
2 c. cooked or grilled corn kernels
½ c. cheddar cheese
4 oz. can green chilies, drained

Directions
Preheat a waffle iron sprayed lightly with oil.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Whisk together the wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
Using a rubber spatula, fold in the melted butter, corn, cheese and chilies.
Pour ¾ cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron and close lid.
Bake until waffle is lightly brown and crisp, about three to five minutes, then repeat with remaining batter.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve waffles with honey butter.
Serve waffles with chorizo, tomato slices, poached eggs and diced avocado.
Serve waffles as a side with a bowl of chili.