There is nothing better than sweet, succulent corn. Boiled, steamed, grilled or even raw, corn is the perfect addition to any meal.

Want to grill your corn? Let it soak for in water for 30 minutes. Peel back the husks, tying them to make a fun handle. Then remove all the silk. The extra water helps the corn steam a bit on the grill before charring. Fun tip: you can also do this with beer!

Sweet summer corn sometimes needs nothing. Maybe a little sea salt. But if you like it more indulgent, a smear of delicious honey butter can be downright delicious!

Or go Mexican-style like in my Grilled Street Corn and spread a little mayo on it when it’s hot off the grill. Sprinkle chili salt, and roll in cotija cheese. Serve with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro.

Not a fan of eating corn right off the cob? No problem! Simply use a knife to cut down each side of the cob – the kernels will fall right off. There’s even a handy gadget you can get to do this. Perfect for mixing into freshly made salsa or in my Summer Corn, Roasted Pepper, and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese Crostini recipe!

So go enjoy one of the best tastes of summer before it’s gone! -Kathy

Grilled Street Corn
Appetizer-size, these make for a great starter. You can also make this recipe with whole ears of corn to serve as a side. Serve with an assortment of hot sauces on the side to spice things up!

Makes: 12 – 16 pieces

4 ears of fresh corn
1 lime
3/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder (substitute with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or use a combination of both)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
12 – 16 short sturdy wooden picks

Pre-heat a grill on medium-high heat. Soak skewers in water.

Husk the corn then using a serrated knife, cut each ear into 3 – 4 pieces depending on size. Meanwhile zest the lime into a small bowl, then cut the lime in wedges and set aside. Whisk in the chili powder, mayonnaise, and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix together the cheese and cilantro.

Grill corn, turning as needed until lightly charred and cooked through, about 5 – 6 minutes depending on your grill. Remove from the grill and insert a wooden pick into each piece of corn. Spread each piece of corn with some of the mayo mixture to lightly coat – then roll in the cheese mixture, placing finished corn on a platter as you go. Squeeze the reserved lime over the corn and serve immediately.

Recipe © Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Summer Corn, Roasted Pepper, and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese Crostini
Makes 6 servings

3 mixed colorful bell peppers
3 ears fresh corn, husked
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
12 thin slices (1/4-inch) of French bread baguette, lightly toasted
6 ounces soft chevre goat cheese
4 to 6 cups tightly packed, washed and torn arugula or baby arugula

Roast peppers over a hot grill or coals or under the broiler, turning often until skin is totally blistered. Peel, seed and thinly slice peppers. Set aside.

Grill corn, turning when each side is marked and lightly roasted. Cut corn from cob, and add to peppers.

In a large bowl, whisk mustard, garlic, vinegar and lemon juice together. Slowly whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper, and toss in basil, roasted peppers, and corn. Set aside.

Meanwhile, spread toasted French bread slices with goat cheese, and place under a broiler for one minute or pop into a hot, 400-degree oven until cheese is warm.

Add arugula to roasted pepper mixture. Toss well. Divide among individual salad plates and garnish with the warm goat cheese crostini.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios® – www.KathyCasey.com