Take your pick among ways to cook fresh corn

Local corn is just about ready. Keep watch at grocery stores and farmers markets.

There are lots of good recipes for preparing fresh corn. One of the best is grilling corn on the cob in its husk. Simply throw the ears on the grill in one layer and cover. The corn steams in its husk and picks up a mild smokiness from the grill.

Here are some others.

Corn relish

4 ears corn

2 bell peppers, green or red, seeded and diced

2 celery stalks, finely sliced

1 red chile, seeded and sliced

1 onion, peeled and sliced

2 cups white wine vinegar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons sea salt

2 teaspoons mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Strip kernels from corn cobs using a sharp knife. Blanch them in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain well. Put corn and other ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and stir. Simmer gently, stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes. Check seasoning, then spoon into warmed sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space. The relish should be a spoonable consistency and wetter than a chutney. Cover, seal with non-metallic or vinegar-proof lids, and heat-process for 5 minutes, then label. Once opened, store jars in refrigerator. Makes 2 large jars.

From “Vegetables Please” by Carolyn Humphries

Spicy summer corn pudding

10 ears corn

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons ancho chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.

Cut kernels off corn and place in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine well. Pour into prepared dish and bake 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Serve hot. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

From “The Animal Farm Buttermilk Cookbook” by Diane St. Clair

Grilled corn, poblano and black bean salad

2 ears shucked corn

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

4 green onions

1 avocado, peeled, halved, and pitted

1 large red bell pepper

1 large poblano chili

Cooking spray

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 can (15 ounces) unsalted black beans, rinsed and drained

Preheat grill to high heat. Brush corn with 2 teaspoons oil. Place green onions, avocado, bell pepper, poblano and corn on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill onions 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Grill avocado 2 minutes on each side or until well marked. Grill bell pepper 6 minutes on each side or until blackened; peel. Grill corn 12 minutes or until beginning to brown on all sides, turning occasionally.

Cut kernels from ears of corn; place in large bowl. Chop onions, bell pepper and poblano; add to bowl. Add 4 teaspoons oil, cilantro and next 5 ingredients; toss well. Cut avocado into thin slices; place on top of salad. Makes 6 servings.

From “Cooking Light Pick Fresh Cookbook”