Late summer sweet corn

In the midwest, in late summer and early fall it is considered blasphemous if you don’t eat your fill of sweet corn. It isn’t a written law, but it might as well be. The consequences of not eating corn are…well, let’s just not talk about that.

Clearly, you can eat corn year round, but there is nothing that compares, even marginally, to fresh sweet corn. If you’ve never tried it, I daresay it’s worth the price of a plane ticket to come out here and try some.

It’s pure heaven.

I mean, a vegetable that naturally grows on its very own stick? That’s a smart vegetable.

(Yeah yeah. I know it isn’t a vegetable. Not technically. But here in the Midwest it is. Along with ketchup and french fries, thankyouverymuch.)

Since I’m heading out of town for a week (and leaving you all high and dry, without my blog to entertain you, I can feel your sorrow…), I thought I’d give you a load of recipes that include and star the favorite vegetable of all midwestern kids.

Try one every day. Repeat as needed.

Roasted Vegetable Salsa

I made this based on a recipe I read somewhere (I’m pretty sure I linked to it in the original post) and then I made it every week for about a month. Obviously, I love it.

In fact, I need to make it again. Now is the perfect time to try it too, since it’s got a ton of veggies in it that are all fresh at the market right now.

I’ll have to wait until I get back from vacation, but you? What are you waiting for?!?!

Cajun Pumpkin Chili

Okay, so it might be too early for chili in your neck of the woods, but here? Late summer nights can get downright chilly.

Pun intended, obviously.

Sweet and Spicy Corn Relish

The perfect side dish to a plate of grilled veggies and a big juicy brat. (If you are into that sort of thing.) Or top a burger with it. Or some chicken.

Actually, you can just eat it straight from the jar for all I care (I did). Just make it. You’ll be happy you did.

Thai Coconut Corn Chowder

I made this for a couple friends who had just had a baby. They asked me for the recipe, which I think means they liked it.

Either that or they wanted to give me an ego boost. Which, whatever, I’ll take it.

Polenta Potage

Alright so this is a bit of a stretch, since there isn’t actual corn in the recipe, but the base is polenta (clever name, right?), which is just ground up corn. So, corn. Yep.

You can also add corn to this, which DAMN. That’s a great idea.

You should do that.

Buttered Corn on the Cob Ice Cream

And what recipe round up post would be complete without a dessert? None that I’d care to read, that’s what.

You can cringe and scoff all you want about the ice cream, but I am telling you – you are the one missing out by not trying it. And that just leaves more for me.

Obviously, any of these recipes can be made with fresh or frozen corn. Or even that unholy abomination that is *ick* canned corn. As is generally the case, fresh is lightyears better. Of course, when push comes to shove, I usually just grill the fresh cobs and slather them in salt and call it good.

No. I call it GREAT.

What’s your favorite seasonal vegetable? Do you have a corn recipe that you’ve tried or want to try? Links welcome!!