Summer Harvest: Sweet Jersey Corn

Is there anything better than fresh Jersey corn on a summer day? At Abma's Farm, we are enjoying this year's bountiful harvest with our first-ever CORN FEST on Saturday, Aug. 18. 

There are three basic ways to prepare fresh sweet corn, and all are best topped with butter and salt. Here's how:  

Grill It! Fire up the grill to approximately 550 degrees. Put the corn in its husk on the grill, rotating to allow husks to char evenly on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes. 

Roast It! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place husks directly on the oven rack and roast for 30 minutes. 

Boil It! Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Husk the ears and add to boiled water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. 

Corn is a great addition to salads, like our summer corn and potatoe salad, soup and other dishes. Here's a great summer recipe for Chicken, Corn and Blackbean Crockpot Chili:  

In a large crockpot combine: 

• 1 Abma's Chicken Breast (about 1.5 pounds hormone/antibiotic free)
• 1 Red Pepper, chopped
• 1 Green Pepper, Chopped
• 2 Large Sweet Onions
• 1 28-oz can organic diced tomatoes 
• 1 6 oz can organic tomato paste
• 1 15-oz can of black beans
• 2 Cobs of fresh Jersey Corn Roasted and sheered from the cob
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• 1 teaspoons Blue Agave Sweetener (or 2 tsp. sugar)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cook on high for about 6 hours. About 30-60 minutes before serving pull chicken breast apart with a fork and mix well. Serve with cheddar cheese, sour cream and chips. 

Join us this Saturday from 12 noon to 3pm for our first ! The day's event (held weather permitting!!!) will include: 

• Corn Eating Contests at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm in three age brackets, under 10, 10 to 20 years old, and ages 21 and up. 
• Grilled Corn
• Corn Hole Games
• Corn Doll Crafts 
• Plus pony rides, our free petting zoo and wholesome family fun. 

BONUS RECIPE: You can also make fresh popcorn from dried cobs. !