๐ฝ Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn ๐ฝ
Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn is a delightful and classic Southern dish that’s perfect for any family gathering or holiday meal. It’s a simple yet delicious way to prepare sweet corn. Here’s everything you need to know about it, complete with some ๐จโ๐ณ cooking tips along the way!
๐ History:
The term “shoepeg” refers to a type of corn, known for its small, narrow kernels. The history of this dish is deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, where corn is a staple crop. The name “shoepeg” possibly originated from the fact that the shape of the kernels resembles wooden shoe pegs, which were once used in making shoes.
๐ฝ Components:
- Fresh sweet corn (You can also use frozen or canned corn if fresh isn’t available)
- Butter
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- Sugar (for a touch of sweetness, optional)
- Water (if needed for boiling)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare:
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Select and Shuck the Corn: Choose fresh ears of corn with plump, tender kernels. Peel back the husks and remove the silk. Re-wrap the corn in the husks and soak them in water for about 15 minutes if you’re grilling them. If not, you can skip this step.
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Cooking Options:
- Boiling: Place the corn in a large pot of boiling water, adding a pinch of salt and sugar if desired. Boil for 5-7 minutes.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn with the husks on, turning occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
- Microwaving: Place the husked corn in a microwave-safe dish, add a little water, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and microwave for 3-5 minutes.
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Season: After cooking, remove the husks (if not grilled), and season the corn with butter, salt, and pepper while it’s still hot. The butter will melt and create a delicious coating on the kernels.
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Serve: Serve Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn hot, as a delightful side dish to complement your main course. It’s perfect with barbecued meats, fried chicken, or as part of a traditional Southern feast.
โฐ Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn depends on the cooking method. Boiling takes about 15-20 minutes (including the time it takes for the water to boil), grilling takes around 20-25 minutes, and microwaving is the quickest option, taking just 5-10 minutes.
So, whether you choose to boil, grill, or microwave, Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn is a versatile and timeless Southern dish that’s sure to please your taste buds and add a touch of the South to your table. Enjoy! ๐ฝ๐๐ฝ๏ธ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn:
๐ฝ Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup of cooked, drained corn, approximately 166g):
- Calories: 143
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 13mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 3.6g
- Vitamin A: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 13% of the DV
- Folate: 8% of the DV
- Magnesium: 7% of the DV
- Potassium: 6% of the DV
๐ฝ Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Rich in Dietary Fiber: It contains a moderate amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full, making it a good choice for weight management.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides essential vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C, which are important for skin, vision, and immune health. It also contains folate, magnesium, and potassium, which play various roles in maintaining overall health.
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Low in Fat and Cholesterol: It’s a low-fat and cholesterol-free food, which is great for heart health.
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Carbohydrates: The main source of calories in corn comes from carbohydrates, mainly natural sugars and complex carbohydrates. These provide energy for the body.
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Gluten-Free: Corn is naturally gluten-free, which is beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
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Antioxidants: Corn contains various antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
Remember that the specific nutrition content can vary based on factors like how you prepare the corn, the addition of butter or other seasonings, and the portion size. While Aunt Willie Jo’s Shoepeg Corn is a nutritious and tasty side dish, it’s important to balance it with other foods to ensure a well-rounded diet. ๐ฝ๐ฝ๏ธ
