Shucking Corn Makes Me Feel Like Pocahontas

Okay. Listen to this, grab an ear of corn and tell me that you don't imagine yourself as a Native American.

After my four-year-old self saw Pocahontas for the first time, I vowed never again to wear shoes. Of course that only lasted about two weeks before I got a bee sting on my heel, but my point is, I totally wished I was one of the "indigenous folk". I loved the idea of not having to go to school.. of just being able to exist in the wild, living off the land and playing games in the meadow. Even as adults, we all wish it could be that simple sometimes.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has, in times of great stress or sadness, wished she could just run away on nothing but her own two feet. For a fleeting moment it seems like a fantastic idea, running into the trees and leaving all of our problems behind. But if you don't have any knowledge of the wilderness, you'll have bigger problems than failing a class or listening to your parents argue. That's why I never try to take shelter or air conditioning for granted.
On the other hand, it's never a bad idea to go for a nice nature hike. A little bit of nature doesn't hurt. In fact, it helps! Here's an article about how walking can reduce your stress levels and fight depression:
http://walking.about.com/cs/mindandspirit/a/mindspirit_2.htm

If you haven't yet gotten a chance to experience your Native American roots, the following will give you a chance to do it...

How to Choose Corn Without Pissing Off Shopkeepers

When picking corn, you automatically want to peel the husks right off and examine the corn. Unfortunately most farmers and supermarket workers are not very eager to clean up your mess. And believe me, no matter how hard you try, there's always a mess. I'll tell you the secret to choosing fresh maize without making people crazy.
You want thick ears with soft, sticky, brown silk strands peeking out at the very top. Find an opening where you can see the kernels and make sure they are even and plump. Once you find the right amount, bag them and take them home to refrigerate until use.
Now, we husk!
Perhaps you don't know how to husk corn. Let's have a quick lesson, shall we?
Click here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2072862_shuck-corn.html

Six Ways to Prepare Corn

1. Boiled: Heat 2 cups of water in a large saucepan. Add a bit of sugar to give the corn an extra sweet taste. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the de-husked corn. Occasionally spin the ears (it will float) so that all sides of the corn cook. Remove after 8 minutes.

2. Off da Cob: After you boil or roast your corn, use a large knife, hold your corn vertically, and remove the kernels from the cob. I personally prefer this. It just tastes better! I think it's really all in my head.

3. Roasted: Remove husks, then separate kernels from the cob. Toss corn kernels olive oil, salt, pepper, or garlic and bake them for 20 minutes at 425 degrees, stirring occasionally.

4. Grilled: Grilled corn is possibly my favorite thing ever. Shuck off a few layers, leaving some to cover your corn, and soak in cold water for 15 minutes. Peel the remaining layers, but don't take them all the way off. Remove silk and apply olive oil, salt,etc. Fold the layers back onto the corn and place them on the grill. Rotate the corn every five minutes to keep it from getting too charred on one side. As soon as the husk picks up the dark silhouette of the kernels and begins to pull away from the tip of the ear, the corn is done.

5. Sauteed: Coat a medium skillet with butter and add your de-husked, de-cobbed corn. Cook for about 8 minutes and remove.

6. Make CHOWDA: This recipe is fantastic for colder months. Give it a try: 
http://homecooking.about.com/od/soups/r/blss54.htm

There you have it! Your all-around guide to corn. Go make Pocahontas proud.

Love,

PS. If, by chance, you history buffs have rejected the Disney version of the Pocahontas story, there's a nicely-done movie based on the true story of Rebecca Rolfe. It's called The New World. Fantastic film. I recommend it. ;)