Here in Florida the first crops of corn on the cob are available. Love me some fresh corn! Here’s how I cook it:
Place whole ear of corn in microwave oven.
Microwave 4 minutes per ear
Carefully remove cooked ear of corn.
Slice off husks at beginning of corn cob.
Shake corn cob until it evacuates its husks.
Perfectly cooked corn emerges clean of all silk and husks!
Filed under Healthful Eating
Use any combination of fresh vegetables plus any protein you choose (chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu) to make a healthful, delicious stir-fry. Here I chose colorful peppers and red cabbage from the produce market, added carrots, celery, and leftover cooked chicken. The sauce is simply a quick whisked combo of soy sauce, freshly grated ginger and garlic, and 1/2 cup broth with a Tbsp. corn starch dissolved in it. I finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
The secret to perfectly cooked stir-fry is not really a secret: Prepare all ingredients before preheating your wok or skillet. That’s it! Stir-fries cook quickly but require constant attention, so you can’t leave it to chop additional ingredients.
Try stir-frying. It’s a flavorful way to add vegetables to your diet. It’s also a great use-up for produce you have on hand that you don’t want to lose.
I love steamed vegetables. But if I’m rushed, I pull out the pressure cooker. I cook all the vegetables in one pot, three minutes under pressure (four minutes if you prefer extra tender veggies). Cleanup is easy because the liquid that steams while it cooks prevents sticking or scorching. If your cooker includes a steamer basket and trivet to hold the basket out of the water, use it.Â
Fresh vegetables prepped in steamer basket
Of course, stick with vegetables having similar cooking times. Don’t toss broccoli in with potatoes. 😉 Today I cooked peeled Idaho potatoes, which I later mashed, carrots, and fresh green beans. Yes, you cook them all together. Season with salt and pepper if you like, or season individually when you serve. Your choice.Â
My 3 Liter pressure cooker
Use your pressure cooker (I have three, but one six-quart cooker is plenty). In the time it takes you to set the table, pour beverages, and re-heat or slice your meat (or protein of your choice), your pressure cooker cooks all your sides. Quick-release according to the manufacturer’s instructions then carefully open the cooker. I pick out my potatoes first because I mash them.
Veggies served with slow cooked chicken.
Don’t let meal preparation raise your blood pressure–just your cooker’s. Enjoy!
Filed under cooking, Green Beans, Vegetables, Zucchini
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