can i get a w00t?!
Recipe: grilled chili-lime corn
I had my last radiation treatment yesterday afternoon (Wednesday)!!! Sweeeet.
Surgery: check.
Chemo-frakking-therapy: check.
Radiation: check.
Unlike chemo, radiation is a big lounge scene. I love my radiation techs and because it’s a daily thing, you really get to know the other radiation patients scheduled around your time slot. Last week, one of my favorite patients, Glenda, finished her treatments and I baked up a batch of cookies for her and everyone else. The waiting room is more like a living room for social visits (except half of us are in gowns – people are so used to stripping down at the drop of a hat for radiation). So when I walked in yesterday afternoon with a batch of baklava, I saw the usual crowd… AND Glenda. “What on Earth are you doing here?” I asked her. She told me she called to find out when my last day was and came just to see me. And she had brought me a rose. What a sweetheart.
small gestures, big heart
She gave me a hug and kiss and wished me well. I knew what she meant. When cancer patients say good-bye to one another and wish each other well it’s not the normal “kayseeyabye” that people litter mindless conversation with. No, what we’re really saying is, “I hope that fucking cancer stays away forever and ever. I wish that you never have to do this again. I want you to live and I want you to live happily. I want you to live without pain, without fear.” You can see what they mean when you look in their eyes and you know what they are saying because you are saying the exact same thing back to them. The embrace lingers longer than usual because maybe holding on to each other will help us through it better?
It’s a fraternity that I never wanted to be a part of, but had no choice in the matter. Once in it, I fended off the hazing ritual of pink ribbons and yellow wristbands the way I squirmed out from under pretty dresses and bows as a little kid. I didn’t want to be a cancer victim because I Am Not A Victim. What I didn’t realize was that I would be meeting so many wonderful individuals during this journey, not just patients, but doctors and nurses and techs and staff. The active treatment is over now. One more milestone on this long path to I Have No Idea Where, but I’ll tell you what – I will make the best of it.
Our house is stocked to the hilt with fresh fruit. I went nutso crazy on the fruit shopping the other day because despite my love of winter (ahhhh, triggered memories of tele skiing the fluffy pow!) I am a summer produce whore.
fresh figs are here!
nothing better than a perfectly ripe, drippy, messy, luscious white peach
It’s a bit of a task to stuff yourself with as much fruit as possible before it rots. I’m beginning to feel like a fruit roll up extruder. ha! Oh, but we don’t stop with teh lovely fruits. Summer produce includes vegetables too. One of my favorites: corn.
puppy likes corn
We typically boil our corn, but recently I began grilling corn. I think I’m addicted to grilled food this season. Could it be some primitive attraction to fire? or perhaps the aversion to oven and stove usage? or the easy cleanup? Grilled corn gives those delectable kernels that extra dimension of chewy sweetness with a hint of smoky (sometimes a lot of smoky when we forget to turn the cobs). I tend to like my corn nekked, as in no butter, no salt. Nada, Tostada… But recently I was turned on to one of the loveliest pairings in the food world: lime and corn.
here’s the lime
Actually it is lime, corn, and chili with butter as the rug that ties the room together. It is a fairly simple recipe requiring a smidgen of work and patience.
fo shiz, baby!
Strip the outer leaves of the husk off and then peel back the rest of the husk without detaching so you can remove the silk from the corn. Then cover the cob back up with the husk and soak in water for 30 minutes. While all of that is soaking, I melt some butter and then toss in the lime juice and chili powder.
best not to wear a white t-shirt when making this
After the corn has soaked long enough, I like to pat the insides dry before applying the butter mixture. The husks get a little curly and are a pain to fold back around the corn entirely. Well, those little buggers are gonna burn anyway… Expect your hands to look as if you just murdered a piece of carne asada.
apply the goodness to the cob
Grilling time is going to vary depending on how you like your corn. Less time for tender and plump, a little more time if you like the kernels slightly chewy and charred. If you have a grill that heats unevenly like ours, you can have both on one cob!
yes please
Grilled Chili-Lime Corn
[print recipe]
8 ears of corn
1/4 cup butter
1 lime, juice of
1 tsp chili powder
Remove the outer husk of each ear and peel back the inner husk. Remove the silks and fold the inner husks back up. Soak the ears in twater for 30 minutes. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in the lime juice and the chili powder. Pat the ears dry. Pull the inner husk back and brush butter onto the corn. Cover with the husks and twist the tops. Grill on medium-high heat for 15-25 minutes (depending on desired doneness), turning often. Serve hot.
July 31st, 2008 at 1:30 am
Ha! When you said you like grilled corn, I was going to suggest you try grilling it in the husk with some herb butter.
I shoulda known better.
Congrats on the end of radiation. Let your rays be only sunshine from here on out.
July 31st, 2008 at 2:43 am
Such a sweet person! The rose is beautiful! Congratulations on that good news!
Your grilled corn looks tasty! Delicious!
Cheers,
Rosa
July 31st, 2008 at 3:18 am
That’s great news!
Mmmm… I can almost smell that corn from here.
July 31st, 2008 at 3:29 am
Congratulations on completing your radiation sessions! You will emerge a winner cuz that damn cancer won’t bother good people like you again, knowing very well the first time was a mistake!
Grilled corn! I like mine salted, like most of other things! Yours looks fantastic!! Yum! xxoo
July 31st, 2008 at 4:38 am
Hey Jen that’s a brilliant news!! Congratulations!
I usually don’t like corn too much, but this recipe makes me want to give it another go…
July 31st, 2008 at 4:59 am
woot freaking woot girl!!!!! I could not be happier for you – another step in this godforsaken journey down, and on to the road ahead, whatever it may bring.
My hubs calls me the corn snob. Growing up, we put the water on to boil and then went and picked the corn. Ok, on occasion we’d pick it an hour before eating. And I swear to god I can tell if it has been off the stalk more than 24 hours before I eat it and I can’t stand it. The most offensive thing on earth to me are those frozen “cobettes”. Gah! I know a few farm stands near by where you can get it still warm from the field, but it’s just coming into season now. The hubs curses me because I won’t let him eat corn until I know it’s fresh and that limits our corn eating season, but the real deal is SOOOO worth it. We used to snack on it in the fields – sweet and raw and dripping down your chin. And hopefully we’ll even have corn from our own garden this year! Can’t wait to throw it on the grill with some flank steak…
July 31st, 2008 at 5:06 am
Jen,
Congrats on the great news! You get more than a W00T from me!! Hugs and Kisses!
July 31st, 2008 at 5:54 am
W00T~ Infinity! Congrats! Your post cracked me up “fruit roll up extruder”! This entry is brimming with happiness, hope and beauty.
I have GOT to have corn on the grill this weekend even if I have to steal it. The picture of the pupper is gorgeous! And I’ve never bought figs, but I think I want some just because the inside is much prettier than I knew. That picture is so pretty and I wish I could paint because I’d put something similar on canvas and hang in the kitchen.
July 31st, 2008 at 6:03 am
Since 3 month i give you some anonym visit…just to see your news creations and enjoy your pictures…but for now i just want to tell you ” Vive la Vie”..
July 31st, 2008 at 6:04 am
Congratulations!
Our dog Lucy loves grilled corn. Sits right underneath our feet hoping (against hope) that we might drop the whole corn cob.
July 31st, 2008 at 6:20 am
Congratulations and best wishes :D
I love corn with mayo, cayenne pepper, and queso fresco. It’s something I picked up from my ex’s Mexican-born mother and I can’t get enough!
July 31st, 2008 at 6:26 am
Yay!!
I’m so glad to hear that, sweetie! And that rose really shows how people can be generous and kind (which is a relief, because there are so many morons out there…)
Jen, corn and lime are huge here. We absolutely love them!
July 31st, 2008 at 6:35 am
I admire your spirit and courage. My prayers are with you.
July 31st, 2008 at 7:10 am
Jen, I’m so happy for you! And wow, the kindness and friendship that you spoke of is really incredible. It’s amazing how everyone comes together instead of keeping to themselves when things get tough. (Now, to channel Mary Murphy…) w0000000000000t!
That corn sounds great! I usually just grill the corn without anything on it, but I’m going to have to try it this way.
July 31st, 2008 at 7:10 am
Wo0t! You are so inspirational to me on so many levels – the food, the photography and your philosophy about life. Big congrats on finishing up the treatments!
July 31st, 2008 at 7:10 am
Jen, kudos to you….in more ways than one…..
I awoke to read my favorite news/email/blogs and I saw your post. Today is my b/d. What wonderful news, finding that you have finished your treatments! I’ll send a slice of cake right over (but first I have to bake our cake …lol).
Enjoy a wonderful day, but keep that camera close by…..all of us out here in cyberWorlds are dying for your latest shots. :) ….(I LOVE those figs!)….
July 31st, 2008 at 7:18 am
Congratulations on completing this treatment; you are really an inspiration. To be struck with cancer and the devastating treatments that followed and bravely embrace and make the best of it…I am really at a loss for words at your courage. I hope that the cancer stays away for good. I have just discovered your blog and I love all the photos. Will be back often to check out what else you’ve been up to. Keep that passion for life burning!
July 31st, 2008 at 7:30 am
Congratulations on being done with Chemo. Glenda and all the other people you’ve met sound really special and caring. It reminds us what is really important in this life. I have made a daily ritual of coming to your site for a visit. My eyes are always treated to such beauty, and your writing is always delightful.
July 31st, 2008 at 7:43 am
CONGRATS Jen!!!! Wooohooo! What a thing to celebrate. Hope you find your energy levels slowly on the rise each day. Beautiful, beautiful pictures; I just want to reach out and grab those figs — they’re stunning!
July 31st, 2008 at 8:04 am
Congratulations on the end of radiation and the very best for the future! Love the shot of the peach.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:24 am
congratulations. i am o happy for you. have you tried letting the corn sit on the counter for 3 or 4 days before grilling? they become less sweet and that’s how i like it.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:38 am
w00t!!!!!
July 31st, 2008 at 8:55 am
Off to a cancer free life: check
July 31st, 2008 at 9:14 am
That’s wonderful news, and know I’ve said this before, but your upbeat approach to the whole experience has been very inspiring. Here’s to the future!
July 31st, 2008 at 9:19 am
congrats on being done! so, so, so happy and relieved for you. this post made me teary-eyed. thanks a lot jen! :)
July 31st, 2008 at 9:28 am
Congrats on finishing a very brave task.
Your corn looks amazing!!! I could just have corn for dinner and be more than happy!!
July 31st, 2008 at 9:41 am
Hi! It’s my first time to your site and now I see why so many others have linked to your blog :) Thanks for sharing your sweet story and congrats on kickin’ it through your radiation treatments.
Simply gorgeous photos!
July 31st, 2008 at 9:46 am
w00t! Yay for being done! Glenda sounds like a terrific lady.
July 31st, 2008 at 10:06 am
Yay for you! I hope you never have to deal with it again.
Grilled corn is a favorite food with us, too. Except we grill it without the husk and apply the seasoning after it is ready. The lime is dipped in red chilli powder and salt and then squeezed gently as it is rubbed along the corn. No butter for me but slathering it first with butter is always an option.
Very yum!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:07 am
I have been blog stalking your website and just love everything you do:)!!! i just wanted 2 tell you that you are such an inspiration and pray for your full recovery! Go get it girl:)
July 31st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hi Jen, I’m new to your blog. Congrats on completing your radiation sessions!
You have a delicious blog! And I just love your black lab!
July 31st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I think you meet all those kind people because you are so nice to them! Love your attitude and your blog, hope to read for years to come.
Many congrats on finishing therapy!
July 31st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Just adding my congratulations to the crowd – what a happy day for you, and for us to hear about – thanks for sharing!
July 31st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
w00t indeed!!1!!
The grilled corn sounds crazy delicious and that fruit looks stunning :)
July 31st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Yay!! Congratulations; that’s great news! And this recipe looks like a delicious, unique way to jazz up corn on the cob.
-Chris
July 31st, 2008 at 6:59 pm
YAy!!!! Great news!
July 31st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Woo-hoo!!!! good luck! I wish you the very best…
My fave way to eat corn: grilled without the husks, then, rubbed with a piece of lime that has the cut side dredged in salt and red chilli powder. That’s how corn (maize, rather than sweet corn) is served up in India in the Monsoon season…mmmmm! It’s salty, spicy, sweet and sublime…warm corn kernels oozing their delish juice in your mouth while the cool rain is falling on you….loverly!!!!!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Is Olathe corn in season yet? I really need to go to the market this weekend. Glenda sounds lovely (and is also my sister’s name), what an interesting journey. There is no good description.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:52 pm
w00t, w00t, w00t!!! Congratulations! You did it! You kicked cancer’s ass just like you said you would. I’m so thrilled that all that crap is finally over for you.
We’ve been going wild with fresh corn this year. It’s been so beautiful, I can’t resist. Chili , lime and corn = match made in heaven!
August 1st, 2008 at 1:04 am
w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t w00t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m opening that champagne!
August 1st, 2008 at 2:56 am
Great news!
August 1st, 2008 at 10:37 am
w0000t indeed!
Glenda is such a sweetie. It may be the fraternity (sorority?) that no one wants to get into, but you do have awesome company to help you through it. But I’m glad you’re out, hopefully for good. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I know you’ll probably retch if I use words like “brave” or “inspiration” but those are two things that we are least aware of in ourselves, and the two things I would use to describe how you’ve been, getting to know you over the past few (?) months.
I’m not a corn fan (I dabble, heh), but I have NO idea why I didn’t think of putting straight chili powder on it before. Yeesh, totally a duh moment for me! Chilies make everything better!
August 1st, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I love roasted corn on the cob (particularly when sprinkled with southwestern spices).
Your photos are super!
August 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
YEAAHHHH!!!!!!!!! OUI OUI OUI!!!!!!
August 1st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Hooray! Congratulations!
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
How sweet that Glenda was there on your last day as well. Congratulations!!
August 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
CONGRATS, JEN! I hope that dreadful cancer stays away forever and ever.
On a more fun note, that corn looks spectacular! The lime-chili powder combo sounds vibrant and perfect for summer!
w00t, w00t for you : )
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Congrats on the end of rads. I hope you are on the road to healing.
Stumbled across your blog accidentally–your photos are beautiful.
Sue, a fellow cancer warrior
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Kitt – that’s a GREAT thing to say!! Thanks :)
Rosa – thank you, dear!
Nicisme – hee hee, thanks.
Mrs. E – you’re so funny :) Thank you. I love salt too!!
Pomme – thank you! just try it, you might like it :)
Mollie – woooohoooohoooo!! Oh, you ate THAT kind of corn! I have never had the pleasure :( But I hear about it all the time from corn-growing friends. Sheesh. I feel as if I’ve been chewing on carpet when I hear about the sweet sweet corn! Mmmm, sweet sweet corn…. ;)
Dharm – you’re such a sweetie! Thanks!!
April – ha ha, thank you :) I hope you got your corn on, babe!!
Sonya – aaaaah! merci, merci!!! xxoo
Mary – oooh! my puppers does the same :)
Steph – thanks!! Oh wow, that sounds so good!
Patricia – ha ha ha, yes, too many morons ;) But it seems the good folks are there if you know where to look – like food bloggers!
Aparna – thank you.
Christina – thanks, dear! I like this way a lot, but I may have to revert back to nekked grilled corn because I think my ass is going to get huge if I don’t ;)
Grey St. Girl – thanks so much :)
Margie – Ooooh, happy belated Bday!! I hope you had a kick ass cake to celebrate your special day :) The figs were delicious – tee hee!
Christy – thank you for your very sweet comment and wishes. It’s not courage so much as indignation that this damn thing would be such a huge inconvenience when I’ve got shit to do ;) xxoo
Alexa – that is so nice of you to say! Thank you for your sentiments – you’re so sweet.
Amy – woohooo, girlfriend! *high five* *shaka* *chest bump* owwww… Thanks :)
Linda – thanks :)
Bee – you are too funny! Everyone I know loves SWEET corn and you – you want to let it sit and convert the sugars to starch? :) I’ll send all of my unsweet ears to you, my dear :) xxoo
Ann – yip!!!
Peabody – you rock, hon.
Kalyn – here’s to you, to me, to health and to life. Big hugs, love!!
Lan – awww, don’t cry *hands you a tissue*. There is a lot to be happy about, no? xxoo
Courtney – not so brave :) I just go and they zap me. Corn for dinner is good enough for me too!! :)
Sharon – thanks so much!
Psychgrad – yay!! Thank you :)
Manisha – *fingers crossed* me too!! Oh, the way you prep the corn sounds really delish! I may give it a try if I haven’t increased my pant size by then ;)
Jenny – that’s so nice of you to say. Thank you! I’m on it, girlfriend! :)
YDavis – thanks! If she met you, she’d love you right back!
Yinna – thanks, you’re very kind :)
Pat – hurray!! Thank you!
Laura – crazy delicious? You are definitely in summer-withdrawal, aren’t you? :) I’ll be drooling over your summery foods when we are in the dead of winter, my dear!
Chris – thanks :)
Anh – awww, thank you, sweetie!
Caramelsutra – (that’s a great name). Thanks so much. mmmm, that sounds wonderful!
Susan – Good lord, I don’t even know what Olathe corn is. I am such a neanderthal that I only know of white, yellow, and blue corn. Zoiks!
Susan@SGCC – oh hon, I don’t know if I’ve kicked it’s ass, but let’s hope. Let’s hope :) Thank you for being there for me! xxoo
Maja – drink a glass for me, sweetie!! :)
Clumbsy Cookie – thanks!
Mark – ahhh Mark, you are too sweet. All of that crap makes getting out so much sweeter, no? So when are you coming to the States to visit me?! :) Kaweah cannot wait to beg food from you!
DocChuck – thanks!
Tartelette – bien sur!!
Holly – thank you :)
Caroline – she’s awesome :) thanks!
Tony – thank you, hon! I hope you try out the combo and see how you like it!
Onetuffgrrl – thanks so much, sistah!
August 5th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Your whole journey has made the whole food blogging world stronger, Jen. You’ve strengthened me considerably, thank you, and cheers to your last treatment!
Love, love, love grilled corn! And your lime pic is a wowzer! What an amazing lens. Which reminds me, I have to go clean my camera and lens, they’re so dirty!
August 5th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
WoRC – thanks, love. I always worry about making you cry ;) *big hugs*
August 5th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Congratulations on completing your last treatment. Cancer is something that has hit my family hard – and yet we’re a family of survivors. My father has had cancer 3 times, has undergone surgery, radiation and chemo. He has now been cancer free for 6 years! My mother had breast cancer – but luckily they caught it early, and radiation seemed to get rid of it – it’s been a few years. I myself had a small tumor on a gland in my neck as a child. I was really too young to remember the experience, but I always have stay aware and make sure to keep on top of check-ups. As horrible a thing as cancer is, I think it makes you a stronger person, and brings you closer to your family and friends. May you be cancer free for ever!
August 5th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
It’s the sweet corn from Olathe, CO in the Western Slope. Near the peaches (bad with geography, I just know there are peaches). So good. Both should be available soon and are always at the farmer’s market. Which means I should go to the market and then cook.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Dana – thank you so much. That is so sweet of you and congratulations on being cancer free for your family.
Susan – oh my. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for it! Thanks :)
June 8th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
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