Turning leftover corn cobs into Corn Jelly and Corn Cob Syrup
I was left with the discarded corn cobs after making a meal. It's tempting to throw them away, but wait! There's a creative and sustainable solution that not only reduces food waste but also results in delightful treats for your kitchen: making corn jelly and corn cob syrup. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of turning those corn cobs into sweet treasures that can elevate your meals and reduce your ecological footprint.
Step 1: Boil the Corn Cobs
Before we dive into the recipes for corn jelly and corn cob syrup, let's start with the essential step of boiling the corn cobs. This initial process extracts the corn's natural flavors, which we'll use as a base for both recipes.
Ingredients for Boiling Corn Cobs:
Corn cobs (leftover from corn on the cob)
Water
Instructions:
Prepare the Corn Cobs: Begin by removing the corn kernels from the leftover cobs. You can set aside these kernels for future recipes or store them in the freezer for later use.
Boil the Corn Cobs: Place the corn cobs in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the cobs simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering process infuses the water with the delicious essence of corn. You can extend the simmering time for a stronger corn flavor.
Strain and Reserve: After simmering, strain the liquid to remove the corn cobs. Now you have a pot of corn-infused water ready to use for your corn jelly and corn cob syrup recipes.
Sweet Corn Jelly Recipe:
Ingredients for Corn Jelly:
4 cups of the corn-infused water
1 pack (1.75 oz) of powdered fruit pectin
4 cups of sugar
Instructions for Corn Jelly:
Combine Ingredients: In a separate pot, mix the 4 cups of corn-infused water and the entire pack of powdered fruit pectin. Stir until the pectin is fully dissolved.
Boil and Add Sugar: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat while continuously stirring. Once it's boiling, add the 4 cups of sugar, stirring until it dissolves.
Simmer and Skim: Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. While simmering, occasionally skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Store: Pour your homemade corn jelly into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace, and seal them. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Corn Cob Syrup Recipe (Inspired by Pioneer Cookbook):
Ingredients for Corn Cob Syrup:
2 cups of the corn-infused water
1/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
a pinch of turmeric for color
Instructions for Corn Cob Syrup:
Combine Ingredients: In a pot, combine the 2 cups of corn-infused water, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved.
Boil and Thicken: Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup thickens to your desired consistency. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Cool and Store: Transfer your homemade corn cob syrup to a clean, sterilized container, and allow it to cool. Once cooled, it's ready to be used in your favorite recipes or drizzled over pancakes, waffles, or desserts.
Corn Jelly
These recipes not only produce delicious sweet treats but also demonstrate a fantastic way to reduce food waste. By repurposing corn cobs, you contribute to a more sustainable kitchen. You can use corn jelly to elevate your morning toast or as a unique topping for peanut butter. The corn cob syrup, inspired by Pioneer Cookbook’s recipe, adds a delightful touch to your culinary creations and is perfect for sweetening and enhancing your dishes.
Corn Cob Syrup
So, the next time you're faced with leftover corn cobs, don't throw them away. Instead, follow these recipes and enjoy the sweet rewards while reducing your environmental impact. It's a win-win for your taste buds and the planet!
