Recipe: Corn Fritters

Fresh, sweet corn is one of the delights of eating in season. These fritters are a new way to enjoy fresh-shucked corn straight from the field.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears fresh corn
• 2 eggs, separated
• 2T heavy cream
• 2T minced jalapeno
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2t baking powder
• 1 1/4 t baking powder
• 1/2 t cayenne pepper
• pinch of sugar
• veg oil, for frying (coconut oil can be used as sub)

Directions:

1. Holding the base of an ear of corn in a medium bowl, slice downward, cutting halfway through the kernels. Using the back of a knife or a small spoon, scrape downward along the cob to extract the milk, letting it fall into the bowl with the cut kernels. Cut again along the cob, this time cutting close enough to remove the remaining half of the kernels. Repeat with the remaining ears. 
2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks, about 2 minutes, then add to the corn. Stir in the heavy cream and jalapeno pepper.
3. Stir the flour and seasonings together in a bowl. Then stir this mixture into the corn mixture just until combined, taking care not to overmix.
4. Beat the egg whites until medium to stiff peaks form. Fold the whites into the corn mixture until thoroughly combined.
5. Fill a heavy bottomed Dutch oven or deep iron skillet halfway with veg oil (2-4 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium high heat. Tip: it will be ready when a dash of water sizzles when it hits the oil, or at 350 degrees)
6. When the oil is hot, carefully add 2 T scoops of the corn mixture, working in batches so that you don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters for 6 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through, turning them as needed. Remove and drain on a towel-lined plate.

Makes 24 fritters.

Local Farmers Feed the Needy

A big thanks to the farmers at the Abingdon Farmers Market, who donated over 550 pounds of local produce Feeding America SWVA Foodbank. Fresh produce is desperately needed at local food pantries that feed the local community in need. If you want to contribute, we welcome food donations at the market. Just pick up some extra produce, and designate it for donation. We'll get it to the right folks!