Day: June 12, 2025

**How to Make Creamed Corn: A Delicious and Comforting Side Dish**

Creamed corn is a classic comfort food that combines the natural sweetness of corn with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be served alongside a variety of main courses, making it a favorite at family gatherings and holiday dinners. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious side dish from scratch.

**Ingredients:**

– 6 ears of fresh corn or 4 cups of frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a bit of heat
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added richness

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Corn:**
– If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the silk. Stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels. Use the back of the knife to scrape the cob to extract the milky liquid, which adds flavor to the dish.

2. **Cook the Corn:**
– In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the corn kernels and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly golden.

3. **Make the Cream Sauce:**
– Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir to coat the kernels evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
– Gradually stir in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to combine.

4. **Simmer the Mixture:**
– Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it.

5. **Add Cheese (Optional):**
– For an extra layer of flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce.

6. **Serve:**
– Transfer the creamed corn to a serving dish and garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

**Tips for Perfect Creamed Corn:**

– **Fresh vs. Frozen Corn:** Fresh corn is ideal for its sweetness and texture, but frozen corn is a convenient alternative that works well in this recipe.
– **Adjusting Sweetness:** The sugar in the recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
– **Thickening the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the mixture to thicken it further.

Creamed corn is a delightful side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for cornbread. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal. Enjoy making and savoring this timeless dish!

On 11 March 2025, the European Commission published the Proposal for a Critical Medicines Act 1, a new Regulation aimed at improving the availability of critical medicines in the European Union. The Proposal has however a wider scope and seeks to introduce collaborative procurement mechanisms and information sharing obligations not only for critical medicines but […]

The post European Commission Proposes Act to Secure Critical Medicines Supply but has Wider Ambitions for Improved Accessibility of Other Medicinal products by Creating a Framework for Collaborative Procurement appeared first on Healthcare & Life Sciences Blog.

# How to Prepare Homemade Ketchup: An Easy Guide

Ketchup is a cherished condiment that elevates the taste of numerous dishes. Crafting your own ketchup at home enables you to personalize the flavor and steer clear of additives. Here’s an easy guide to making your own tasty homemade ketchup.

## Ingredients

– 2 cups tomato paste
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to your liking)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky taste)

## Equipment Needed

– Medium saucepan
– Whisk or spoon for stirring
– Airtight container or jar for storage

## Instructions

### Step 1: Mix Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, blend the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar). Mix thoroughly to combine.

### Step 2: Incorporate Spices

Stir in the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if adding) to the mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.

### Step 3: Heat the Mixture

Set the saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring often to avoid sticking. Allow it to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. This will enable the flavors to meld and thicken the ketchup.

### Step 4: Taste and Modify

Once cooked, sample the ketchup. Modify the sweetness or seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey or sugar. For additional acidity, incorporate a bit more vinegar.

### Step 5: Cool and Store

After achieving your desired flavor, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the ketchup to cool to room temperature. Move the cooled ketchup into an airtight container or jar.

### Step 6: Refrigerate

Keep the homemade ketchup in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to three weeks. For prolonged storage, consider freezing it in small portions.

## Tips for Customization

– **Spicy Ketchup**: Include a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for added spice.
– **Herb-Infused Ketchup**: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil or oregano for a distinctive flavor.
– **Smoky Flavor**: Use smoked paprika or add a few drops of liquid smoke.

## Conclusion

Creating homemade ketchup is a simple procedure that allows you to manage the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference. With just a few easy steps, you can relish a fresh, tasty condiment that enhances your meals. Enjoy your homemade ketchup with fries, burgers, or as a base for other sauces!