How to Cook Sweet Corn

Sweet corn on the cob is one of the joys of summer. Here are three ways to cook it along with some great butter recipes.

Fresh sweet corn is a sign of summer, whether it's from the grocery store, farmer's market, or a roadside stand. A true summer barbecue just doesn't seem right without it.

There are many different dishes that use in-season sweet corn, but the best way to savor its flavor is freshly cooked right off (or on) the cob. Cooking it on a stove top or on the grill are two of the easiest ways. When they are done, just stick in some handles, grab it by the husk, or slice it off the cob and enjoy!

Basic Grilled Sweet Corn

Pull back the husks on the sweet corn ears but do not remove. Pull out the silk and discard. Then close the husks back up on the sweet corn. Take your sweet corn and soak it in a pot of water for a half hour or until the husks are drenched. This will help to steam the corn and to keep the husks from simply burning on the grill. Place on the grill for 15 minutes to a half an hour, depending on how high the heat on your grill is. Husks will turn white, yellow, or browned from the fire. Green husks usually indicate the corn is not yet cooked.

To spice up the sweet corn, try different butter flavorings. You can spread the butter on before you grill the corn or wait until it is cooked. If you put the butter on before grilling, try tying the ends of the husks together with string to keep in the juices. Here are some recipes for different sweet corn butters. Mix all ingredients until combined well

Parmesan Butter

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 3 tbp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Garlic Parmesan Butter

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp salt

Chive Butter

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 tbp minced chives
• Dash of salt

You can experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to make a butter that is perfectly to your liking.

Basic Boiled Sweet Corn

Husk your corn, removing all silks and trim the corn if necessary. In a large stockpot, add water until you have enough to cover the corn (but don't place the corn in yet). Bring the water to a boil. Drop the corn into the boiling water and place a lid on it. Return the water to a boil quickly and boil the corn for about four to seven minutes.

You can serve boiled sweet corn with any of the butter recipes listed above.

Microwaved Sweet Corn

If your stove and grill are filled with foods for your barbecue, then you can always just pop the sweet corn into the microwave and cook it there. Husk your sweet corn and place it in a piece of waxed paper. Microwave on high for two minutes until tender. Let it rest and cool slightly (for approximately two minutes) before serving.