Aw, Shucks (Clean Ears Everytime)

Andrew saw this YouTube video posted somewhere or another. In it, the adorable Mr. Ken teaches you how to get silk-free corn on the cob using only the microwave and a knife. There are 7+ million people who have already watched this video, but we thought we should share it in case you're not one of them. Because it worked! Exactly like Mr. Ken said it would.

1. Place your ears (of corn) in the microwave, with husks still on.

2. Microwave 4 minutes per ear. (We did two ears for 8 minutes.)

3. Remove the ears, using an Ove Glove or potholders, and place on a cutting board.

4. At the stem end, go up about a kernel-length and use a sharp knife to cut all the way through the husks and ear. 

5. Hold the ear of corn up by the silky end and shake it. Your silk-free ear of corn will fall right out!

We used Mr. Ken's method for this tortellini and tomato salad recipe. It required corn off the cob, and if you've ever cut fresh corn off the cob...you know that left-behind silks are super annoying. I think we only had to pull one stray silk off of one of the ears we did. So thanks, Mr. Ken!

Southern Living Tortellini & Tomato Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:
18oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 cups small tomatoes (such as grape), halved

1 cup fresh corn kernels, cooked

1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped

For the dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan, grated

3 Tbs fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and place in a large serving dish.

2. Add the tomatoes, corn, scallions, and basil to the serving dish.

3. In a small blender or food processor, process all dressing ingredients until smooth.

4. Pour the dressing over the serving dish and toss everything to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Yum!