Golden End of Summer Corn Pudding

September 10, 2012

 This hasn’t been a good corn year in the Hudson Valley – too much early heat, too little rain.  We began getting corn in June, and by now the corn is tough and not much for eating straight off the cob.  But this starchy corn is great for corn pudding, the last golden bite of summer.

There are dozens of great corn pudding recipes, but this one is my absolute favorite.  I like to grate some of the kernels and leave a few whole, so you get the occasional pop.

You’ll need six ears of corn, three quarters of a stick of butter, a cup of cream and five eggs. This is not a diet dish, but it will make 6 people deliriously happy.  It’s a great side dish at dinner, and leftovers, reheated, make a spectacular breakfast. 

 Using a box grater, coarsely grate the kernels off four ears of corn. Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels from two more ears. 

Put the cobs into a large skillet with a cup of cream and cook over low heat until the cream is reduced to between 1/2 and 3/4 of a cup, and has been infused with the flavor of corn. 

Combine the corn kernels with 2 tablespoons of sugar, a quarter cup of  flour and a teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the infused cream.  Break in five eggs, one by one, stirring to incorporate. 

Put 6 tablespoons of good sweet butter  into a cast iron skillet or an 8 inch square pyrex pan and put it in a 350 degree oven until it has melted. Pour the butter into the corn mixture and give it a few good stirs.  Pour the corn mixture back into the skillet or baking dish, and bake for about an hour, until it has turned golden and set.

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