Summer isn't just about long sunsets, cool air conditioning and frosty margaritas.
It's also about corn. The indigenous crop of America, sweeter-than-candy summertime corn.
If you're still boiling it and topping it with plain butter, you're missing out on all corn has to offer. Here are some ideas to kickstart your corn game:
1. Corn ravioli
Pre-made wonton wrappers make this homemade pasta a breeze. Round out your fresh corn with some canned creamed corn, add a rich cilantro lime cream sauce and you will be in corn nirvana.
2. Corn salad
A photo posted by hot for food (@hotforfood) on Aug 4, 2015 at 8:56am PDT
At the peak of corn season, you don't even need to cook it to enjoy. Just scrape the kernels off of the cob (be sure to squeeze the backside of your knife down the cob to get all of that sweet, pale corn milk) and mix it with fresh ingredients like diced red onion and cilantro for a salad that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach.
Tender chicken and a spicy tomato and corn mixture fill these enchiladas, which are then rolled and smothered with enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Aww yeah.
The classic gets a modern, savory update with lashings of honey and miso-infused butter. Spread the thick, garlicky butter onto freshly grilled corn, then grill again until the miso paste has turned nutty and caramelized. Betcha can't stop at just one ear of corn.
5. Corn pizza
A photo posted by Pizzeria Vetri Philly (@pizzavetriphl) on Jul 21, 2015 at 8:38am PDT
Sweet corn is the perfect accompaniment to creamy cheese on a thin or thick pizza crust. Try juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon or rich burrata cheese to mix up the toppings.
6. Corn ice cream
A photo posted by Leanne (@leannes_spot) on Jul 31, 2015 at 5:03am PDT
Corn and sugar are made for each other — just think of cornbread with honey butter. Take it one step further and infuse corn into rich, summery ice cream. Top it with caramel corn for a truly corny experience.
7. Creamy corn dip
A photo posted by Sally Humeniuk (@gooddinnermom) on May 24, 2015 at 5:09pm PDT
Creamy corn dip brings your party to the next level. Fresh, sweet corn, crispy bacon and creamy avocado isn't just a snack; it's the life of the party and summer in a bowl. Remember to make extra because this is the perfect afterparty snack.