This Week's Recipes: Corn Pudding, Two Ways

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

My mom is known for her Southern cooking. Her sweet corn pudding is one of my sweetest childhood food memories, and a recipe that I relish and cook to this day. Having tried savory corn pudding, it’s hard to decide which one I like best. They’re both delicious… you decide.

Sagaponack Corn Pudding

This recipe, featured courtesy of the Food Network, 2002 Barefoot Contessa Family Style, was much requested after a recent dinner.

Ingredients:
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 5 cups fresh yellow corn kernels cut off the cob (6 to 8 ears)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
• 4 extra-large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) grated extra-sharp cheddar, plus extra to sprinkle on top


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease the inside of an 8 to 10-cup baking dish. Melt the butter in a very large saute pan and saute the corn and onion over medium-high heat for 4 minutes. Cool slightly.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, and half-and-half in a large bowl. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal and then the ricotta. Add the basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked corn mixture and grated cheddar, and then pour into the baking dish. Sprinkle the top with more grated cheddar.

Place the dish in a larger pan and fill the pan 1/2 way up the sides of the dish with hot tap water. Bake the pudding for 40 to 45 minutes until the top begins to brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm.

Mom’s Sweet Corn Pudding

I’m not sure who to credit with this recipe other than my dear mom. Just like her, it is so-o-o sweet! It is served as a side dish.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups corn
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp flour
• pinch salt
• 2/3 stick melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup whipping cream

Mix in all ingredients and pour into buttered casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.