The methods for freezing corn will mainly depend on the type of corn you are using, the recipe for which it is being used, among many factors to be considered. Two distinct ways include freezing corn after it has been cut off from the cob, blanched and cooked as opposed to freeing the entire corn cob without cutting the kernels.

The steps to preserve corn are quite simple. However, here are a few commonly asked questions on how to freeze corn answered for your reference.

Is it a good idea to freeze an entire corn cob?

There is no harm in freezing an entire corn cob. However there are a few drawbacks of doing the same. Since the corn cob will not be blanched at first, the end product to be used after it has been frozen can taste quite raw and mushy. The corn cob has to be left to thaw which will release all the water inside kernels making it mushy and not suitable to be used in a number of recipes. Also, it will be difficult to separate the kernels from the corn cob after freezing as opposed to the alternative methods.

Is there a different way to freeze sweet corn as opposed to freezing regular corn?

People always ask how to freeze corn and sweet corn in particular. Sweet corn tastes best when it has been blanched at first before freezing. Blanching will cook the corn on the cob, and the freezing process will help preserve flavors of the kernels to be later used in fresh recipes like salads or even salsa’s. Cooking the kernels before freezing will always ensure a fresh taste as the enzymes which destroy flavor are eliminated in the process.

For how long can blanched corn be stored in the refrigerator?

Processes for blanching and freezing corn are simple to follow. But the real question that arises apart from how to freeze corn would be for how long can corn be stored in the refrigerator thereafter. Ideally, it is advisable to store corn in a vacuum sealed pouch to be frozen to retain the texture, flavor, and color for that matter. You can seal a simple plastic bag by sucking out all the air using a straw, to be then stored in the fridge or the freezer. The corn will stay fresh for as long as you plan to store it.

Blanching is a process in which a vegetable or fruit is scalded in boiling hot salt water, after which it is immersed in an ice cold bath to stop the cooking process. Blanching is done to mainly stop the enzymes from causing loss of flavor, texture or color of the said fruit or vegetable. Corn can be frozen in two distinct ways, without blanching and after blanching.

How to freeze corn without blanching?

There are two ways in which you can preserve corn without compromising the corn cob.

Whole corn cob freeze: This process is by far the easiest way to freeze corn which does not require any blanching. Three steps to follow include shucking the corn, stuffing it in a nice freezer bag and just directly plop it in the freezer. While this might be the most time-saving method, simple to follow, there are a few drawbacks of flash freezing corn.

It will be difficult to use the kernels which won’t separate from the corn cob unless the entire cob is left to thaw at room temperature. Frozen kernels are difficult to extract from the cob which is why this time-saving method might end up costing you more time. Alternatives can be suggested to answer the question how to freeze corn using a technique which does not necessarily include a flash freeze.

Unblanched frozen corn kernels: Kernels can be used in a variety of recipes which is why it is a good idea cut off the kernels from the cob, to be then frozen. An easy alternative as opposed to trying to remove frozen kernels from the frozen cob, which is why the process is effective when reversed. This not only retains the flavor but also keeps the texture and color of individual corn kernels intact to be used, whenever needed.

How to freeze corn after blanching?

The alternative way to freeze and preserve corn would be after it has been blanched. Corn which has not been blanched will taste raw, after being frozen and stored for a while. Cooked corn kernels however will taste fresh even after they have been frozen, which can be then used in salad and salsa recipes. This method will ensure delicious golden yellow kernels with just the right amount of crunch and taste. Both methods are debatable, each depending on the type of recipe. Blanching, cooking, cooling, and freezing might be a more time-consuming process, but the end product will be certainly worth the effort.

Everybody loves sweets. Even if you just happen to enjoy a few occasional treats, these desserts made with a twist will certainly tempt your taste buds, not to mention your sweet tooth. Bourbon is a barrel-aged distilled spirit, commonly known as a whiskey. It has a distinct taste depending on the aging, distillation process and the type of flavor category it belongs to mainly.

Bourbon whiskey is generally based on one of the four categories for distillation namely grain forward bourbon, nutmeg forward bourbon, bourbon aged in a caramelized barrel and bourbon made with rye. Also, the time is taken to age each barrel of whiskey will depend on the method and ingredients used to achieve its signature and distinct taste.

It is this distinct taste which gives your everyday dessert recipes a flavor kick. Here are some of the fine examples of best bourbon used in dessert recipes:

Bourbon banana cupcakes: Cupcakes are easy to make, taste delicious and are the cutest way to represent different flavors. Be it your rich chocolate cupcake or humble banana cupcake; these little delights will melt your heart away. Adding a couple of swigs of the best bourbon in the creamy, buttery batter will up the ante and enhance the flavor. Like banana and chocolate? Why not combine both the ingredients to make delicious banana chocolate cream cupcakes with a bourbon twist.

Bourbon bundt cake: This cake gets it name from the bundt pan which is used to bake and give the batter that distinct ring shape. Bundt cakes are no different than your regular cakes except for the use of the ring shape hollowed mold to bake it in. Bake a lovely bundt of your choice and drizzle it with a bourbon glaze to give it that rich and most earthy flavor.

Chocolate bourbon fudge: There is no doubt that chocolate always goes well with alcohol, even if you have it straight up. If you like a rich, creamy chocolate fudge and enjoy the occasional drink of bourbon whiskey, then this recipe should make your day. Incorporate a generous helping of some of the best bourbon you can find in the delicious dark chocolate mix to let it set and cool.

Bourbon pie: Bourbon also goes well with a number of pie recipes like buttermilk pie, pumpkin pie and any other you can think of. The barrel-aged whiskey compliments the flavors in the rich batter ready to be baked to perfection for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Eggplant is a versatile ingredient which when cooked makes the raw fruit tender to be used in recipes creatively.

Here are 10 best eggplant recipes for vegans:

Roasted eggplant: A very simple and tasty dish to prepare using a limited number of ingredients featuring the eggplant as the star of the dish. An elegant appetizer which is also vegan that incorporates the creative use of olive oil and ricotta cheese, roasted to a nice crisp.

Baked eggplant crispy sticks: All you need to do is slice up the eggplant into nice finger sized chips and coat them in a batter of breadcrumbs and eggs with seasoning as per your taste. Bake them to a nice golden brown crust and enjoy delicious eggplant finger sticks with a dipping of your choice. The innovative use of ingredients to make delicious vegan delicacies puts this recipe in the top 10 best eggplant recipes for sure.

Vegetable Casserole: A simple yet tasty vegan dish featuring the star ingredient, eggplants! Roasted with a layer of parmesan cheese, garnished with finely chopped parsley. The casserole is a colorful and flavorful use of ingredients with delicious flavor, featuring it in the top 10 best eggplant recipes.

Eggplant condiment: A Serbian based red pepper condiment made from red bell peppers. The eggplant and red bell peppers are roasted to be then mashed and combined with few spices and can be used as a salsa verde.

Vegan wraps: A vegan version of your loaded meat and cheese filling, but featuring deliciously cooked eggplant coated with parmesan cheese, rolled in arugula wraps.

Roasted eggplant dip: Eggplant roasted to a crisp making it a nice smokey and tender mash drizzled with sea salt, pepper, and olive oil finally topped off with fresh lemon juice for that citrus to cut through the flavors ever so delicately. This recipe is a must have feature on the ultimate list of 10 best eggplant recipes.

Eggplant parmesan: A classic cheesy comfort food, featuring cooked eggplant topped with melted parmesan cheese immersed in a delicious tofu, tahini, and soy milk sauce base. The sauce compliments the eggplant well.

Eggplant sandwich: A sandwich with a twist with the use of gluten free pancakes as the bread base and a couple of charred eggplants as the patty in between, to be topped off with your favorites making it a creative option in the list of 10 best eggplant recipes.

Eggplant Ratatouille: A twist on the classic, featuring eggplant as the star of the dish.

Indian eggplant dip: Alternatively referred to as “baingan ka bharta,” this recipe from the sub continent of India makes it an excellent option to go well with flatbreads.

Bourbon can be used in a number of recipes creatively for a twist in the classic flavor and preparation method. Here are ten interesting variants of the classic dish incorporating some of the finest bourbon.

Chilli with a bourbon twist: If you like chili and also enjoy the occasional swig of aged bourbon, then this recipe will certainly tantalize your taste buds. If you can’t have it bottoms up, pour a generous helping of the best bourbon you can find your classic chili recipe to give it that extra kick.

Sausage puffs with bourbon mustard: An upgraded version of pigs in a blanket featuring chicken sausages wrapped in delicious buttery puff pastry, to be served with a tangy helping of mustard spiked with the best bourbon you can find in the market.

Spinach salad with a kick: A bourbon vinaigrette, drizzled over a delicious spinach salad, just the right amount of crunchy and creamy with bacon and blue cheese. A healthy salad recipe with a kick, rather!

Bourbon grilled cheese: Grilled cheese has always been a home made classic. With the recipe being modified slightly to introduce a nice generous swig of the best bourbon, enough to cut through the cheddar cheese oozing with the goodness of butter.

Bourbon sweet potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes drizzled with bourbon, giving a nice twist to the classic potato casserole recipe. The earthy rich flavor of the bourbon combined with baked sweet potatoes will certainly make an excellent conversation opener for your next big party.

Maple bourbon banana pudding: Maple and bourbon together will make a vibrant and creamy sauce base for this classic banana pudding recipe. Grab a spoonful of beautiful buttery, moist cake with a generous helping of the sauce to enjoy the blissful union of the best bourbon and banana pudding.

Pineapple bourbon shake: This tropical fruit boasts a sweet and tart taste, a perfect balance for all the sweet tooths out there. Adding a swig of the best bourbon will not only enhance the taste but will also cut through the tropical acidity of the fruit for you to enjoy something sweet with a nice kick.

Bourbon and grapefruit cocktail: The big Texan classic, you cannot ignore this colorful beauty. The citrusy taste of grapefruit combined with the best bourbon, tangy with just enough kick to cut through the flavors ever so delicately.

Chocolate bourbon tart: The chocolate bourbon tart is a blissful combination of rich dark chocolate combined with premium bourbon blend baked to perfection.

Bacon and bourbon brownies: Brownies are the classic ‘pick me up’ comfort food, sweet and rich in flavor to tide you over that bad day you have been having. Add a couple of spoons of bourbon to the recipe to enhance the flavor.

Eggplant is widely used in cooking for a variety of recipes. The raw fruit becomes tender once cooked to develop a rich taste with a complex flavor palate depending on the recipe used. The fruit is capable of absorbing different types of sauces and cooking fats, which makes it the perfect choice for a number of dishes.

Here is a comprehensive list of creative ways in which his versatile fruit can be used in 10 best eggplant recipes:

Eggplant pizza: Are you bored of a bread base for your favorite pizza, why not try an eggplant slice instead? There can be no better way for this unique recipe to make it into the list of 10 best eggplant recipes, incorporating all your favorite pizza toppings on a nice healthy slice of eggplant.

Eggplant pasta with summer chicken: A twist on your classic chicken dish, with the creative use of eggplant in a pasta recipe. The ‘al Dante’ texture of pasta combined with tender eggplant is a perfect combination for the chicken recipe.

Baked eggplant fries: Cut the fat and carbohydrates content by substituting potatoes for eggplant and enjoy a nice healthy version of the otherwise oily fried French fries.

Eggplant Parmesan with chicken: Have some leftover chicken and are bored of heating and having it as is? Try this combination of chicken and parmesan spread on a nice juicy big slice of eggplant.

Breaded coconut and eggplant fries: A slightly upgraded version of the baked eggplant fries, with a beautiful and aromatic coating of coconut and bread crumbs, deep fried to a crisp. Enjoy the crunchy taste of the tropical fruit with the tenderness of the eggplant.

Baked eggplant chips with dipping sauce: Enjoy a nice crispy, healthy version of your homemade chips and dip with this recipe. Thinly sliced eggplant baked to a crisp with a sweet tahini, lemon, and honey dip to compliment the dish.

Eggplant soup: If you can fry it, bake it, slice it, you can most definitely whip up a nice creamy version of this fruit. The tender flesh of the eggplant will provide just the right amount of flavor and creaminess you would want in a nice soup.

Eggplant rollatini: Eggplant coated with bread crumbs, stuffed with a tofu ricotta filling baked to a crisp to be served hot as a classic vegan alternative of the classic.

Eggplant tacos: This recipe features a twist on some of the classic ingredients used in a taco recipe, making it a must have in the 10 best eggplant recipes list.

Eggplant and vegetable pie: A colorful and creative use of everyday vegetables, the star of the dish being eggplants.

Rice pudding is a savory dish of Asian origin. It is prepared with rice, milk, water, sugars, and other flavor enhancing ingredients like cinnamon and raisins. It is known with different names around the world, with every rice pudding having different method of preparation.

Read the following pointers If you are searching for an answer to how to make the creamiest of rice pudding.

• Slow cooking is the key
  Simmer gently when you are cooking rice and milk together. Simmer until the milk is reduced and the rice has become tender. The authentic recipe suggests that the mixture should simmer down to 4 cups before you add other ingredients. Once rice pudding has remained less than 4 cups, add a little warm milk to maintain the consistency. If the mixture gets a little soupy, set it aside to cool for a while.
• Add eggs for custardy texture
  If you want a custardy texture for your rice pudding, stir in beaten egg yolks after the rice has become tender. Eggs add a great texture to the rice pudding and deepen the flavor. The ingredients for making a rice pudding are simple and including these add on ingredients ensure best outcome. Medium-grain size rice contains the right amount of starch that helps to thicken the pudding and make it creamy.
• Bake the pudding
  One of the unusual answers for how to make the rice pudding. Once you have stirred and brought the rice mixture to a perfect texture bake it for additional 30 minutes to caramelize the dessert. You will know the pudding is baked perfectly once the knife is inserted halfway in the center and comes out clean.
• Prefer milk over cream
  to cut through time, people usually add cream instead of simmering the milk and making the consistency of the pudding thick. One of the other reasons to avoid cream is that it thickens and reduces before the rice is cooked to perfection. This makes the pudding chewy.
• Flavorings
  Rice pudding is commonly added with vanilla flavor. There are many versions of rice puddings that use cinnamon and nutmeg, honey and even dry fruits to add enhance the flavor. To get an mousse-like texture add two egg-whites and beat until stiff, add a little sugar powder for the final quarter of cooking.

To know how to make rice pudding in different ways, try experimenting with ingredients but make sure those ingredients complement the preparation of the traditional rice pudding recipe. Log on to different websites to know about the variety of preparations of rice pudding.