Corn Chow Chow Food

SOUTHERN CHOW CHOW

Steps:

• Clean and sterilize 2 quart-size canning jars with lids.
• Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, cloves, mustard seeds, peppercorns, mustard, turmeric, red pepper flakes and bay leaf to a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the flavors start to marry, about 5 minutes.
• Add the green tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, onion and cabbage and bring to a boil, lower the heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Divide the mixture between the two jars and let cool to room temperature. Serve immediately or seal and refrigerate for up to 6 weeks.

CHOW CHOW I

Steps:

• In a large bowl combine tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and salt. Let stand overnight.
• Drain the tomato/pepper mixture and add the hot chile peppers, vinegar, sugar, and horseradish. Wrap the cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in cheesecloth or a porous bag, and add to tomato/pepper mixture.
• Boil for 15 minutes, or until tender.
• Pack tightly in sterilized jars and seal.

CORN CHOW-CHOW

Steps:

• Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add corn; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Drain.
• Combine mustard, syrup, vinegar, and celery salt in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• Add onion and bell pepper, stirring to coat. Stir in corn. Let stand at least 30 minutes before serving.

CORNMEAL SNAPPER WITH CHOW CHOW AND SMOKY HABANERO AIOLI

Steps:

• For the roasted garlic: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place cloves in a small oven-safe dish. Cover with oil and then foil. Roast 45 minutes.
• For the chow chow: Meanwhile, preheat a grill to medium heat.
• Grill the corn in the husks, then shuck and cut the kernels from the cobs. In a medium bowl combine corn, Tomatoes and bell peppers. In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, pepper, lemon juice and zest and 2 1/2 ounces water. Add to vegetable mixture. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• For the habanero hot sauce: Combine habaneros, granulated sugar, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper and just enough water to cover in a small pot. Cover and cook on medium heat until peppers are tender and liquid is almost gone. Remove and let cool. Blend until smooth.
• For the smoky habanero aioli: Combine eggs, lemon juice, mustard, vinegar and 2 tablespoons roasted garlic together in a tall container or wide mouth jar. Using a stick blender, slowly add oil until combined. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons habanero hot sauce.
• For the cornmeal snapper: Combine cornmeal, cornstarch, paprika, granulated garlic and onion, oregano, salt, pepper and 2 cups flour in a medium bowl and mix well.
• Set up standard breading station: A dish with the remaining 2 cups flour, a dish with egg wash, and the cornmeal mixture.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or in a Dutch oven fitted with a deep-fry thermometer to 350 degrees F.
• Coat snapper in flour, then egg, then cornmeal. Fry snapper until golden in color and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
• To serve, spoon aioli on the plate and place snapper directly on top. Serve chow chow on the side.
• Combine green tomatoes, cider vinegar, brown sugar, granulated sugar, white vinegar, salt, mustard seeds, pepper and 2 1/4 cups water.

CHOWCHOW

Steps:

• Mix together the bell peppers, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, jalapeno and salt in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain the liquid from the mixture.
• In a large pot over medium-high heat, toast the mustard seeds and celery seeds until they begin to pop, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar, vinegar and 1 cup water, and heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add the vegetable mixture and the crushed red pepper, mustard powder, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 1 hour.
• Allow to cool. Serve over beans and cornbread or as a relish for pulled pork or hot dogs.

OLD-FASHIONED CORN CHOWDER

Steps:

• Cut the kernels from the ears of corn. (I know that cutting kernels from corn can be somewhat of an awkward job. Here's a TIP on how to steady the cob and keep the kernels from flying all over the place, all the while maneuvering a sharp knife: Cut the cob in half crosswise (NOT lengthwise), then stand on its flat, cut end. Using a chef's knife, cut the kernels off the ear, one side at a time.) Reserve the kernels and the cobs separately.
• Puree the drained, canned corn and 2 cups of the chicken broth in a blender until smooth.
• Cook the chopped bacon in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve. Cook the chopped onion, fresh corn kernels, salt, and pepper in the bacon fat until the vegetables soften and turn golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the potatoes, corn puree, remaining 3 cups of chicken broth, and the reserved corncobs to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the cobs and stir in the the heavy cream, scallions, and reserved bacon. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve. (The chowder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days).