Summer Sides: Zesty Buttered Corn on the Cob and Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Mmm...This was a perfect summer lunch on a really beautiful day!  Pretty easy to whip up, too!  The potatoes are simply boiled and mixed with a handful of delicious flavors.  The corn simmers in water for four minutes and is dressed with a slick of melted butter seasoned with lime juice and cayenne.  Yum!

Zesty Buttered Corn on the Cob

Serves 2 to 4.

4 ears of sweet corn

2 tablespoons butter, melted

One small wedge of lime, or two, to taste

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Kosher salt and black pepper

Shuck corn cobs of skin and silk until clean.  Break off most or all of the stem.

Melt butter in a small pan, pour into a little dish and stir in lime and cayenne.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil.  Throw in a generous pinch of salt and add corn cobs to the boiling water.  Cover and simmer for 4 minutes.  Poke a spoon around in the water to turn the cobs halfway through the cooking time.  Using tongs, remove the cobs from the water.

Brush seasoned butter onto corn cobs and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Serve immediately while hot.

Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Serves 6.

One dozen small-medium red potatoes, cubed with the skin on
4 slices thick cut bacon; diced, fried and drained
2 to 3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 ounces cream cheese, in pieces
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

In a medium saucepan, cover potatoes with water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick slides easily through the center of the potato. Drain well and pour potatoes into a large bowl.  Using a potato masher, smash the very hot potatoes up slightly, skin and all, with the remaining ingredients. Stir and taste for any needed salt and pepper.  Stir once more to combine well, but don't try to whip it smooth. The texture should be creamy but chunky.  Serve immediately while warm.

Garnish with a bit of sliced green onion and bacon bits.

And enjoy!