Off-the-Chart Corn on the Cob

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Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Picture summer without nibbling on at least one ear of corn. How could you? This time of year, this staple crop is sweeter and juicier than ever. And, though it doesn’t need much else than a humble slathering of butter, the possibilities for the in-season ear don’t end there.

Think of it as a kernelled canvas — one that can come drizzled, dusted or simply grilled to charred perfection with little effort at all. This week, take your pick of Food Network’s most-brazen corn-on-the-cob recipes and reinvent how your family devours corn on the cob.

Bobby Flay's Perfectly Grilled Corn as seen on Food Network

Bobby Flay's Perfectly Grilled Corn as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Bobby Flay's Perfectly Grilled Corn as seen on Food Network

In this summer heat, the most-fitting way to take your corn is by way of the grill. Bobby Flay’s Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob shows you how to do it once and for all. After giving the corn a good pre-soak, grill each ear with the husks on till the kernels are tender.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Corn can be sweet and juicy on its own, but it definitely doesn’t stop there. Next time you’re grilling up some corn, hit it with a little smoked paprika for Food Network Magazine’s Smoky Corn on the Cob. If you have a hankering for a different kind of smoke, brush cooked corn with rendered bacon fat before coating with diced bacon, panko and chopped basil.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Hey, it can even take a surprising Asian spin, with a brush of miso butter and a sprinkling of nori.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Instead of reinventing the corn itself, think about the butter. Slather Tyler Florence’s Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter, and the citrus-spiked butter will work as a glue for queso fresco and his Ancho Chile Rub. Or simply puree fresh herbs with softened butter for Food Network Magazine’s Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter, which injects each ear with aromatic flavor. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese couldn’t hurt either.

It’s not necessarily sacrilegious to cook your corn off the grill this summer. Tyler makes Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob so perfectly cooked there’s no need to even dress it up. Simply peel down the husks and use as a makeshift handle as you’re chowing down. Or if you’re feeling desperate, Microwave Corn on the Cob is a thing — and, if you ask us, it turns out to be pretty good.

Get more corn recipes from friends and family:

The Lemon Bowl: Corn on the Cob with Lemon Basil

Feed Me Phoebe: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Honey-Basil Butter

The Heritage Cook: Mexican Elote Corn Casserole (Gluten-Free)

The Cultural Dish: New England Seafood Boil

Dishing With Divya: Corn on the Cob with Roasted Garlic Herb Butter

Virtually Homemade: Grilled Corn with Tomato Basil “Butter” (Vegan)

Devour: 4 Cobs, 4 Ways

Daily*Dishin: Quick Thyme Corn Cobbettes

Napa Farmhouse 1885: Farmers Market Salad with Grilled Corn

Red or Green: Grilled Corn on the Cob

Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Buttery Corn on the Cob

Weelicious: Cheesy Corn on the Cob

Domesticate Me: Charred Corn with Bacon, Chiles and Cheese (aka Mexican Street Corn Salad)

Swing Eats: Corn Pasta with Fresh Summer Corn, Tomatoes and Chives

Haute Apple Pie: Roasted Corn off the Cob Salad

Taste With The Eyes: Grilled Corn, Soy Mirin Glaze and Wasabi Goat Butter

In Jennie’s Kitchen: Corn and Lemon Thyme Ice Cream + Homemade Creamed Corn

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