Monday, August 17, 2009

Jimmy crack corn and I don't care...


For me to enjoy entertaining I have to be able to visit with my guests. I do not want to be chained to the kitchen the whole time sweating over a hot stove while my guests are left to fend for themselves.

So, you’d think by now I’d learn. You’d think I’d know the importance of timing in entertaining. I should know not to have three things on the menu that all require last minute preparation right before serving.

The problem with yesterday's dinner was just that. I had chicken and corn on the cob to grill, and fries to fry. To top it off, I didn't have enough grill space to barbecue the chicken and corn at the same time so I had to barbecue in shifts… something I don't recommend. The only thing that saved me and the dinner was my helper, Jimmy. With two extra hands and an extra brain, we managed to pull it off without anyone else knowing the frustrations and strategies required to bring it all together.

One thing I have learned over the years…just how therapeutic a good glass of wine can be after a long hard day in the kitchen.

GRILLED SPICED CORN ON THE COB

8 ears sweet white or yellow cobs of corn
¼ cup butter, room temperature
¼ tsp. chipotle chili pepper powder
1-2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
½ tsp salt

Shuck corn and remove silk. Combine butter, chipotle chili powder, garlic and salt and divide evenly among corn cobs. Smear seasoned butter all over cobs of corn and grill about 20 minutes until cooked and nicely browned in areas. Serve hot.

SERVES 8

Chipotle chili pepper has a great smoky flavor that blends well with the sweetness of the corn. You may want to start with less chili pepper and taste test it to your liking, as it can be very spicy.

5 comments:

  1. Sounds tasty. Did the spiced corn overwhelm the taste of the chicken? And is that a white corn you served? The picture makes it seem more white than yellow, which makes me wonder if the color affects the taste. Whiter equals sweeter, or does it make a difference in the color?

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  2. Yes, we had white corn. In my opinion, white corn used to be sweeter, but the last several times I've had yellow corn it was extremely sweet. White corn tends to be less meaty, but more tender. I love them both. I didn't think the spiced corn overwhelmed the chicken. Thanks for the comment.

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  3. You are blessed.to have a willing helper.

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  4. that was the best corn i have had in a very long time. the corn was very mildly spiced and complimented the chicken very nicely. thank you for another yummy dinner!!

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  5. My pleasure. I love doing it. Thanks for the comment... and compliment.

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