It’s true, we are officially a redneck family. My husband informed me that we have pumpkins growing in our yard where he threw out the rotting ones from last fall. Here’s the visual on our yard, we seriously have no grass, just sand, weeds and more sand. You wouldn’t guess we live in the heartland, the home to black dirt. Nope, not here on this patch. Sand, beach-like sand and sand burrs. Lush green all around and then us, sand and weeds. It’s beautiful I tell you! Don’t fret we are working on the problem. Although our kids don’t seem to mind having one incredibly large sandbox of a yard. Really, I don’t care where they dig, it’s all fair game in my opinion.
But like I said we are working on the problem. And the only way we can fix the problem is dirt. Beautiful, black, nutrient-dense, fluffy dirt. We need it and who would have known that in the middle of the heartland, dirt is a fine commodity. Like, you have to pay hard earned cash to get a little black dirt and thus any vegetation to grow. I know, it tears me apart too. Like every time I come to the driveway and see the piles of dirt I cuss a little on the inside, and I don’t cuss folks. Seriously, buy dirt in Iowa?!?…does anyone else see a problem with this picture?
I’m slowly getting over the fact that we did write a check for dirt and now are enjoying the heaping piles that are actually growing grass without any help. Soon that lush beautiful grass will be all over our yard. But in the meantime, we have pumpkins. Oh yes, a massive pumpkin vine that is in full bloom smack dab in the middle of our sand patch. My oldest thinks its the greatest thing ever and can’t wait to pick her pumpkins. I guess that area will remain barren of any dirt as I’m sure her little heart would be crushed if she realized we buried it in hopes of something more abundant…cough cough, grass.
Can you tell I dream about grass….green, soft, beautiful grass. At this point I’m not even sure we have a lawn mower, which could be a problem eventually but for now I can’t tell you the last time we mowed. The moral of the story, we would never have this drama if we didn’t just throw rotting pumpkins in the middle of our yard last year, hoping for the snow to cover them and then rot come spring and turn into compost. If only that were the reason we disposed of our rotting pumpkins in our yard. To make compost, yeah or you can just call it lazy… Rednecks, that’s what we are. I guess you could officially classify us as “those” neighbors…. you know the ones everyone complains about.
Anywho, moving on to this amazing Buttery Sweet Corn, Tomato and Feta Salad recipe that takes fresh, buttery sweet corn to a completely different level. I will do a write-up later do a blog on corn and if it is something we should be consuming as this too can be controversial in the health world. But for now, lets enjoy only fresh local corn, shall we? The buttery, balsamic mixture poured over the sweetness of the corn and tangy flavor of the feta creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. Hands down the best way I have eaten corn. Plus, who can get over freshly cut corn on the cob? You know it is good when it all sticks together in hunks as opposed to the single kernels. The texture alone is addicting, let alone the flavor combination.
This kicks up your typical, boring, same ol’ side dish to a whole new level. Like, never complain of boring vegetables again, your family will be begging you for this. Eat it warm or eat it cold, no matter how you eat it you will love it.
- 6 ears fresh sweet corn
- 4 tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Shuck and clean corn.
- Place in large stockpot with cold water. Turn heat on and let boil.
- Remove corn when it is cooked through or until just starting to boil. You should notice a color change.
- Remove from water and let cool slightly.
- Once cooled, cut from cob and place in a bowl.
- Cut tomatoes and add to corn.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese, to your liking and add fresh cut cilantro.
- Mix gently.
- Melt butter and add balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and pour over corn and tomato mixture.
- Stir and enjoy!
