Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter

Corn roasted on the grill is so good!

The corn is grilled with the husks left in place, gently enfolding the tender corn kernels and helping to steam them. As the cooking process continues, the husks cook away from the corn in places, exposing the kernels to the grill heat at which time the most delicious things happen–the exposed kernels get caramely brown and taste like candy. A smoky sweet caramel taste. After your first bite, you’ll sigh and roll your eyes and a slow, satisfied smile will spread itself across your face.

The first bite is the best, so pick a spot that is the perfect balance between the toasty kernels and the yellow kernels. You’ll know it when you see it.

Our usual accompaniments for this grilled corn are sweet butter and a light sprinkle of salt. This time, however, I thought it would be fun to make a chipotle butter as a counter balance for the sweetness of the corn.  It was a winner.

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Butter

• corn on the cob, husks intact
• oil

Heat grill to a medium heat.

Pull husks of corn back, but do not remove them completely.  Remove silks.  Pull corn husks back up around the corn.  Soak in water in a large pot or other container for about 30 minutes.

Remove the corn from the water. Wipe excess water off outside of husks.  Using a little vegetable oil, wipe or brush the husks with the oil.  You don’t need a lot of oil, just a thin coating.  Feel free to put some oil on the corn, too.  Honey Buns decided to give everything a little oil.  He’s that kind of guy.

Place corn on preheated grill.  Turn as necessary to ensure even cooking.  The corn takes about 20-30 minutes to cook.  The husks will get a nice char on them and will begin to pull away from the corn.  This is fine.  It will allow some of the corn kernels to caramelize.  When the corn is done, remove from grill, and pull off the husks using a hand towel to handle the hot corn.

Now, here comes the second to the best part, brush each ear of corn with the chipotle butter.  What’s the best part?  Your first bite, of course!

Chipotle Butter

• 1 cube butter (1/2 cup), softened
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (you can find this in the spice section of your grocery store)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all together.  You’re done!