A salute to the kernel: 5 ways to enjoy your summer favorite

Corn —it’s usually the first thing anyone outside of the Midwest thinks of when they hear about Ohio. It hurts, but it’s true. Almost every true Ohioan knows the saying “knee high by Fourth of July,” and anyone who doesn’t shall be exiled to a rural small town immediately for training. But this Midwestern staple originally hails from Mexico and is considered a grain, a vegetable, and a fruit. It’s no wonder that there’s so many ways to do corn. And summer is the perfect time to try a few.

As nature intended

Simple, sweet, addictive. What more can you need? Throw some butter on that ear, add a little salt and pepper (and some Lowry’s, if you’re feeling adventurous), and proceed to munch like a typewriter.

South of the border corn

A simply buttered ear of corn is tough to beat, but leave it to our friends south of the border to add some flair to our beloved crop. Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is essentially the loaded baked potato of corn, featuring a blend of spices like chili powder and cayenne powder with loads of crumbly cotilla cheese and drizzles of a Mexican crema on top. Katalina’s is a sure-fire spot for your elotes, and their second location in Clintonville opened recently.

Let’s get this (corn) bread

Standing as another southern treat, but more in the vein of barbeques, is cornbread. It’s a simple treat, but it delivers in flavor in so many ways. The subtle sweetness of the corn combined with the flu y and airy bread only needs a spread of butter on top to complete the masterpiece. And at Pecan Penny’s, you can do just that. Whether you serve it straight up, or pile your smoked pulled pork on top for a new creation, there’s really no wrong way to devour this side dish.

Corn cookies! Why not?

We’ve seen corn in chips; corn in breads and puddings; and even sexy south of the border corn, but corn in cookies? That’s where the line is drawn… Or maybe not. At Acre Farm To Table, the sweet corn cookie is corn as a dessert. With some extra sweetness added, the cookie is the perfect balance between enjoying a treat with none of the guilt. Okay, admittedly, some of the guilt. There’s just no way something that tastes this good can be healthy!

Transcorned

Whoever says nachos aren’t a dinner option shall be exiled with the rest of the people who don’t know the “knee high” saying. They’re just deconstructed tacos— open your imagination a little! And making them at home couldn’t be easier. Pick up a bag of OH! Tortilla Chips, grab all your favorite taco toppings, and get your napkins ready. Dealer’s choice on if you should go Modelo or Corona—just don’t forget the limes.

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