Parmesan Creamed Corn

Sometimes the side dishes to a meal can be the most difficult decision when making dinner. Ever notice when you go to restaurants how bland the beans or rice dishes are? Like it's just a garnish or an afterthought rather than a part of the meal? 

As a result of this phenomenon, the side dish becomes bland or overcooked and boring, and then, it gets thrown out! What a waste!  

Don't let that happen with your precious college funds! Make every part of your meal tasty and worth eating; otherwise, keep the dollars in your wallet! 

Check out this simple, cheap side dish that you can make any time of the year with a few ingredients, but alot of flavor!

(Adapted from Epicurious Cookbook)

Parmesan Creamed Corn

Equipment:

Oven-proof 8"x8" or 9"x13" dish, buttered

Medium 3-5 quart saucepan

Whisk

Ingredients:

2 Tbls butter
1 Tbls all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne red pepper
20 oz of frozen or canned corn kernels (just plain, no sauces or sugars added)
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Preheat oven 425F degrees.

3. Prep your baking dish and get your ingredients laid out.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat.

5. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute.

6. Add the half-and-half, salt, and cayenne, and reduce the heat.

7. Stirring occasionally, the liquid should thicken within 3-4 minutes.

8. Add corn and 50% of grated cheese, and stir.

9. Transfer to your buttered baking dish and top with remaining cheese.

10. Bake at 425F degrees x 15 minutes until golden brown.

Great addition for grilled meats. Another way to make and use corn. Alternative to Mac 'n Cheese. Better the next day!