Corn on the cob is a staple in many kitchens, especially during the summer when it’s at its peak of freshness. However, there’s a common kitchen myth that might be keeping you from enjoying the sweetest, most flavorful corn possible: the notion that you should just boil it in plain water. Today, we’re sharing a chef’s secret trick that will elevate your corn cooking technique to new heights.

Why Not Just Water? Typically, many of us toss our corn into a pot of boiling water and call it a day. While this method does cook the corn, it doesn’t do much in terms of flavor. In fact, boiling in plain water can dilute some of the corn’s natural sweetness.

A Chef’s Trick: The Milk and Butter Bath The trick to achieving the most deliciously sweet and tender corn is to cook it in a mixture of milk, butter, and water. This method enhances the natural flavors of the corn, making it irresistibly tasty. Here’s how you can try this method at home:

Ingredients:

• Fresh ears of corn, husks removed

• Water

• 1 cup of milk

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

• Optional: a pinch of sugar for extra sweetness

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn:

   • Clean the corn by removing the husks and silk. Rinse the ears under cold water to ensure they are clean and ready for cooking.

2. Mix the Cooking Liquid:

   • Fill a large pot about halfway with water. Add the milk, butter, and if you’re using it, a pinch of sugar. The milk adds richness, the butter imparts a silky texture, and the sugar can enhance the corn’s natural sweetness.

3. Bring to a Boil:

   • Heat the pot on medium-high until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir occasionally to make sure the butter is fully melted and mixed in.

4. Cook the Corn:

   • Add the corn ears to the boiling mixture. Reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the corn to cook gently for 6 to 8 minutes. You want the corn to be tender but still have a bit of a bite.

5. Serve Warm:

   • Using tongs, remove the corn from the pot and let it drain briefly. Serve hot, with additional butter or your favorite seasonings.

Enjoy Your Meal: This milk and butter method might be a little unconventional, but once you taste the difference, you’ll see why it’s a chef-recommended technique. The corn comes out incredibly flavorful, with a richness that can’t be achieved by boiling in water alone.

Next time you’re planning to serve corn, try this chef’s trick and prepare for some compliments around the dinner table. Your corn dishes will never be the same!