Green Corn Gems Recipe

Green Corn Gems are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of fresh corn with a tender, slightly sweet cornbread-like texture. These gems are great as a side dish or a snack, and they make a fantastic addition to any meal. In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps to create these mouthwatering gems using simple but flavorful ingredients.

Let's start with a bit of history. Corn has been a staple food in many cultures for thousands of years. Native Americans were among the first to cultivate and enjoy corn, and they developed various methods of using it in their cuisine. Corn was not only a food source but also a symbol of fertility and sustenance. Over time, corn became an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes around the world.

Now, for an interesting fact about Green Corn Gems. The use of fresh corn in cornbread or muffin-like recipes became popular in the early 20th century when canned and frozen vegetables were not readily available. People used freshly harvested corn kernels to add a burst of flavor and sweetness to their baked goods. This practice continues to this day, and Green Corn Gems are a testament to that tradition.

Without further ado, let's dive into the recipe!

Here are the ingredients you'll need:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons molasses or sugar
- 3 tablespoons shortening

Now, let's get cooking:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease your gem pans. Set them aside for now.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, graham flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and molasses or sugar until well blended.

4. Melt the shortening and add it to the milk mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

5. Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the batter becomes smooth and all the ingredients are fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Now, it's time to incorporate the star of the show - the fresh corn! Take 1 cup of fresh corn kernels and fold them into the batter. This will add wonderful texture and flavor to your gems.

7. Spoon the batter into the greased gem pans, filling each cup about three-quarters full. The batter should make approximately 12 gems, depending on the size of your pans.

8. Place the gem pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the gems turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Once baked, remove the gem pans from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring the gems to a wire rack.

Now that your Green Corn Gems are ready, you can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey. These gems are a delicious side dish that can complement any meal, whether it's a comforting bowl of soup, a hearty stew, or a barbeque feast.

If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different variations of this recipe. For instance, you can add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or some grated cheddar cheese to enhance the savory flavors. The beauty of Green Corn Gems lies in their versatility, so don't be afraid to let your culinary imagination run wild!

If you're looking for similar recipe dishes, you might enjoy trying cornbread muffins, savory cornbread pudding, or even corn fritters. These dishes showcase the versatility of corn and its ability to elevate various recipes.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare these delightful Green Corn Gems. They are sure to impress your friends and family with their unique flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy!