# This Sweet Corn Pudding is Unquestionably the Best
This delightful sweet corn pudding is an exquisite dish that merges tender, creamy corn custard with additional corn kernels for a pleasing contrast and crunch. The initial encounter with corn pudding can be life-changing, as many people come to appreciate its distinct flavor and texture.
## The Story Behind My Affection for Corn Pudding
The first instance I sampled corn pudding was on a leaf-peeping adventure through the Great Smoky Mountains. A visit to Buxton Hall, a now-defunct BBQ establishment in North Carolina, introduced me to this dish, which forever altered my culinary perspective. Along with my inaugural Cheerwine, the corn pudding was an epiphany—creamy, sweet, with just a touch of savory. It quickly turned into my favorite aspect of the meal, prompting me to order extra for later enjoyment.
## What Exactly is Corn Pudding?
Corn pudding is essentially a corn casserole, loved in Southern cuisine and frequently appearing on Thanksgiving tables. It acts as a fantastic side dish, enhancing a variety of main courses. Think of it as a softer, more delicate cousin of cornbread or a more substantial sibling to creamed corn. This dish is a tender, spoonable corn custard, bound together by eggs and a hint of thickener, producing a soft and smooshy texture—inviting even to those who generally avoid mushy foods.
## How to Prepare the Simplest Corn Pudding
Making corn pudding is a breeze. Simply mix all the ingredients together until just smooth, pour the blend into a casserole dish, and bake. Let it cool slightly before serving.
### Corn Pudding Components
This recipe steers clear of Jiffy Mix, favoring fresh, whole ingredients:
– **Corn**: Fresh corn is ideal, but frozen or canned varieties can work too.
– **Eggs**: Provide structure to the custard.
– **Heavy Cream**: Contributes a rich creaminess.
– **Buttermilk**: Adds tang; can be swapped with a mix of cream and water with a dash of vinegar or lemon juice.
– **Sugar**: Optional, based on your sweetness preference.
– **Butter**: A small quantity enriches the corn flavor.
– **Baking Powder**: Assists in fluffing the pudding.
– **Cornstarch**: Acts as a thickener, yielding a silky texture.
### The Function of Cornstarch
While the traditional recipe includes flour, opting for cornstarch results in a smoother consistency, making it an appropriate choice for corn pudding.
### Selecting the Right Baking Dish
For this recipe, an 8.5” x 5.75” x 2.25” baking dish is perfect, accommodating about 1.5L/6 cups. If utilizing a larger dish, the pudding will be less deep. Doubling the recipe necessitates a 3L/12 cup dish.
### Using Canned or Frozen Corn
Both canned and frozen corn are suitable for this recipe. Just remember to drain canned corn and thaw frozen corn before blending.
## Corn Harvest Season
Late summer signifies corn season, when fresh corn is plentiful at supermarkets and roadside vendors. Freshly harvested corn is sweeter and juicier, making it a preferred choice for many.
## The Pleasure of Corn Drive-Thrus
Pulling up to a corn hut to buy fresh corn is a distinctive experience. You can choose how many ears you want, and the corn is picked fresh each day, ensuring superior quality.
## Recipe: Corn Pudding
### Ingredients
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh preferred)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
### Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Mix all ingredients and blend until nearly smooth.
2. Pour the batter into the baking dish. Optionally, top with additional corn.
3. Bake until the surface is golden brown and the center is set, about 45 minutes. The pudding is ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then savor!
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– Calories: 186
– Fat: 11.5g
– Cholesterol: 148mg
– Sodium: 267mg
– Carbohydrates: 16.4g
– Protein: 6.5g
This sweet corn pudding is a cherished dish that can enhance any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as leftovers, it’s a cozy and tasty addition to your culinary collection.