Tuesday, August 11, 2015

[Gluten-Free] Summer Corn and Tomatoes

I didn't used to be such a planner. I admit it's a characteristic that I have developed over the years. I usually keep my planner-side a secret from most people because I am pretty easy going about most things. But I am definitely driven. So if I am determined to get something done, watch out. That's when the planner in me comes out to play! 

Take for instance, a party. The only way I stay sane is by creating a thorough plan. I know that may sound crazy! But when you're making 10 dishes that need to be ready at the same time (did I mention I'm an over-achiever too?) and trying to make your home look presentable, a plan is the only way to go. I schedule my prep in hour increments. I concentrate on doing one thing at a time, sometimes that's easier said than done. And every once in a while, I get caught red-handed by one of my friends or family when they see something like this on my kitchen counter.


A little crazy right? I know it looks a lot, but it keeps me focused (did I mention I get distracted easily? Hey what's...that....). I make sure to schedule things like "Breakfast and Coffee" or "Take photos of decor" because otherwise, I'll forget. In the end, everything usually gets done - key word being usually. Come on, no one's perfect. And to make my life easier, I print off all the recipes I am working with and keep them under my plan. With everything right at my fingertips, I can switch from one thing to another seamlessly. 


What does this have to do with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and beautiful basil? Everything.

Recently, we had the family over for a summer barbecue. My sister was in town from New York and it was going to be her first time meeting my cousin's boyfriend. In a Cuban family, you have to meet everybody before you're "in." And even then... well... that's another blog post... Needless to say it was a big event. I had my plan all ready. Patrick was grilling barbecue chicken and I was making the sides and desserts. One of the sides was this glorious Summer Corn and Tomatoes - a ridiculously easy recipe that is soooo delcious. Everyone loved it! And look how pretty it is...


The party went off without a hitch and my cousin's boyfriend proved that he could hang with our loud and rambunctious group. Before he left, he came up to me and said "Where can I get that fiesta corn recipe? It was delicious." I just smiled and pulled the recipe out from underneath my plan. BaBoom! Then I said to him, "And that's how we do it in this family. Can you handle it??" 

And then I did a little snap!

Okay, okay... so it's possible it didn't exactly happen like that. 

Maybe I'll plan on doing that next time.

[Gluten-Free] Summer Corn and Tomatoes
This side dish is incredibly simple to make but don't let that fool you - it packs a big punch of bold flavor! The sweet corn and and juicy tomatoes go perfectly with the savory onions and garlic. And the basil finishes it off perfectly. 

Makes 4-5 servings

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 ears of corn, kernels only*
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in halves
½ large red onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup chopped basil

                
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add corn kernels, tomatoes, and red onion.  Cook for 5 minutes until just softened. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and add the basil. 

*If you can't find fresh corn, substitute 1 bag of frozen corn. Thaw it out before cooking.

recipe courtesy: LaurenMarieGlutenFree.com

Lauren Marie's Tips
*Cutting Corn: Peel away husk. Place corn cob into a strainer and run a knife along each side, separating the kernels from the cob. Rotate the cob and repeat until all kernels have been separated. The kernels will fall right into the strainer, making it easier to rinse before using. Brilliant!



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