Corn is an important part of our American heritage. It was introduced to the Europeans by the Native Americans and it has been apart of our culture since the pilgrim days. We love corn chowder, creamed corn, succotash and cornbread. Most of all, we can't do a fourth of July barbecue without corn on the cob. If you're throwing a fourth of July barbecue, corn on the cob is a great thing to have on the menu. Here are two great recipes that are easy and quick to prepare for your fourth of July barbecue.
There are two ways to have corn on the cob for your fourth of July barbecue – you can have them boiled or grilled (or both!). When you buy the corn, get 2 ears of corn per person. Once you get home, take out the silky threads on the corn and remove any blemishes with a pointed knife. Take out the husks for the corn that you're going to boil and leave some for the corn that you're going to barbecue.
Corn on the Cob – Boiled
Boil water in a large pot with salt.
Once the water starts to boil, drop the corn.
Cover the until the water boils again.
Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered for 5 minutes.
Remove just enough ears for the first serving.
You can keep the rest of the corn on the cob in the warm water for another 10 minutes.
Serve with lots of butter and salt.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled
Instead of having just plain butter get the following:
half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper,
half a table spoon of paprika,
2 minced garlic cloves,
1 table spoon of coriander – chopped,
1 teaspoon of salt,
juice of 1 lime.
Mix it into a bowl of 3 and ½ oz of butter at room temperature. Mix it well with a spoon. This will give some zest and life to your corn on the cob.
If you're using a charcoal grill (of course that's the best because it gives that smoky flavor), light it 30 to 45 minutes before you're ready to cook. That's when there would be no more flames and the charcoal should be white and you'd be ready for the barbecue. If you're using a gas barbecue grill light it up and turn it to the highest setting – leave it for 15-20 minutes to heat up. (Keep a bottle of water nearby to douse any flames.)
Soak the corn in a large bowl with water for 30 minutes before grilling. Remember to keep those husks on because they will give steam and prevent the corn from burning.
Once you've removed the corn from the water, place it on the barbecue and grill it for 20 minutes. Using tongs occasionally turn them. If it's windy this fourth of July make sure you move the corn so they're evenly cooked. Corn takes roughly 15 to 20 mins to be cooked so it's a good idea to turn it every 3 minutes. After about 20 minutes, brush them generously with the butter mix. Remove from the heat and place into a baking tray to be served. Apply the butter mix again just before serving.
Corn on the cob is something both your vegetarian friends and non-vegetarian guests will enjoy this fourth of July. It can be a snack that goes along with beer or appetizer that goes along with other main dish. Enjoy!
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