Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
  • Water (for boiling) or Olive Oil (for grilling) or Nothing (for microwave)
  • Optional: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Butter, for serving (unsalted or salted, your choice!)

Instructions:

  1. Shuck the corn, removing husks and silk. Trim any remaining silk with a sharp knife.
  2. Decide whether you're boiling, grilling, or microwaving. Each requires slightly different timing.
  3. Boiling: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the corn into the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and bright yellow. Remove with tongs.
  4. Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with olive oil. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender.
  5. Microwaving: Place corn on a microwave safe plate. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and power of your microwave. Check for tenderness. If not tender enough, microwave for 1 minute intervals until it is ready.
  6. Serve immediately with butter, salt, and pepper, or your favorite toppings.