Go ahead, squeeze the corn

I was at the store the other day and was in the process of picking some fresh ears of corn (4/$1) when this gentleman from Nova Scotia (he told me that’s where he was from) approached and asked me how I cooked my corn.

I laughed because I love random conversations like this. I told him I either grill it or boil it unless a recipe calls for the corn to come off the cob before cooking. He smiles and says, “So I don’t know you and you don’t know me, do you mind if I share a trick?”

“Of course not,” I reply, and of course, I don’t. I’m always looking for new ways to cook.

“Leave the corn in the husk,” he says, “and put it in the microwave for 4 minutes. When done, take it out and use an oven mitt because it will be hot. Cut a tad off the big end of the corn while still in the husk, and then squeeze the corn from the small end and push it out. It will come out without any strings and it will be very juicy and tender.”

I gave him my thank you’s and we went our separate ways. Last night, I looked at those ears of corn and thought, “Hmm, I wonder if the Nova Scotia way really works.”

I put the four ears of corn still in their husks in the microwave for 14 minutes and when they were done, I did as he said. I cut about a 1/16 of an inch off the big end, just enough to slide the corn out of the husk, and then I squeezed. To my amazement, the corn slid right out with not one string attached. The corn was moist, and so, so sweet.

Thanks to a man from Nova Scotia, I will never strip my corn husks and boil my cobs ever again.

And on that note, I’m going to squeeze some more corn. 🙂

Roasted Corn Husks (ideasinfood.com)
Shrimp and Corn Chowder (janetshouse.typepad.com)
Growing Corn: How to Grow Corn Organically (growinganything.com)

Rally around and lend your support

A dear writer buddy of mine (who has asked to remain unknown for the time being), has written a wonderful and enchanting, very young middle grade novel that was just rejected for the 11th time. “Amanda” just got the letter in the mail and is feeling very, very down in the dumps today. Troops, please rally around and offer up your ‘go get ’em’ pats on the back. She can use all the encouragement she can get. Also, if you know of any agents and/or publishers taking middle grade fiction right now, please put that in your post and I’ll make sure she sees the info.

To “Amanda” and all you other beautiful peeps, I dedicate this song to you.

“Z” is for “Zippity doo dah, Zippity Ay”

“My o my what a wonderful day!”

Today is the last day for the A-Z challenge! Woo Hoo! Congratulations to everyone who participated and made it through!

Over the last month, I’ve visited a lot of sites (almost 900 out of the 1925 participants), met some really awesome folks, joined some other blogs and actually learned some things about foreign currency, photography and marketing (something I desperately needed to learn).

More than 75% of the folks who participated in the A-Z challenge were writers and many of them are gearing up to hit that submit button to agents and publishers. I wish all of you luck and will keep my fingers crossed for you.

As for me, I will probably drop back on my posts to 3 times a week because I really need to seriously focus on some writing. I’d like to take this time to thank all of my followers for their awesomeness, kindness and support. Keep your eyes open for some interviews, giveaways and a contest or two.

All of you have an amazing day and I’ll be back on May 2.