FRESH CORN MUFFINS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375°. Place paper liners in a 12-cup muffin pan.
• Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a medium skillet. Add the corn and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook over medium-high heat until barely tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then spread the corn onto a plate to cool slightly.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
• Add the buttermilk, egg, and remaining oil to the dry ingredients and stir until blended. Then stir in the corn mixture.
• Divide the batter among the muffin cups. Bake the muffins for about 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 1 dozen.
• Tips: Choose ears of corn with bright green husks that are tightly closed. The ends of the corn silk should be golden brown, not pale -- an indication that the corn was picked too early.
• To easily remove corn silk from the kernels, hold the ear in one hand and rub downward with a wet paper towel.
• To remove corn kernels for a salad or salsa, stand an uncooked ear in a shallow bowl and use a sharp, thin-bladed knife. For chowder, add another step: reverse the knife and run the dull side down the ear to press out the rest of the corn and its milk.