Roasted Corn and Watermelon Salsa

We're happy to welcome Heather as a guest blogger this month!

Heather is a mom of two boys, ages 4 and 2, and cooking instructor specializing in bringing cooking into preschool classrooms. After college, Heather knew she wanted to be a teacher, but first followed her lifelong dream of going to culinary school. Teaching cooking combines both of her passions, and she truly enjoys introducing young children to the joys of cooking with fresh ingredients. Find Heather on Instagram (@heather_kidskitchen), where she shares inventive kid-friendly recipes and ideas for cooking with kids at home.

Have you ever roasted corn? Cooking the fresh kernels at a high temperature, intensifies the corn's sweetness and takes corn flavor to a whole new level. The sweet kernels get golden brown and crunchy around the edges, making them reminiscent of popcorn. Roasted corn is great as a side dish, on its own, or combined with other fresh, seasonal produce like in the salsa recipe I've included below. Get your kids in the kitchen to help prepare the corn for the oven. They can help transfer the cut corn to a bowl, drizzle the corn with oil, sprinkle the salt, and spread the corn on the baking sheet. Simple, delicious, and easy... what could be better?

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Simple Roasted Corn

Ingredients

• 3 ears of corn
• 2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Carefully, cut the kernels off the corn cobs. Transfer corn kernels to a bowl.
3. Add oil and salt to the bowl and stir to coat the corn.
4. Dump corn onto the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer.
5. Roast corn until golden brown around the edges of the pan, about 15 minutes. If you want the corn extra crunchy, stir the corn and return to the oven for 5 more minutes. Watch closely so corn does not burn.

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Roasted Corn and Watermelon Salsa

​Scoop up this fresh salsa with your favorite chips, serve on top of simply cooked chicken or fish, or pile on top of a green salad. Feel free to add whatever produce you have on hand: fresh herbs like cilantro or basil would be delicious. Bell or spicy peppers would also be a great addition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon, diced small
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, if necessary, and diced small
• 2 to 3 cups tomatoes (any kind), diced small
• 2 scallions, minced
• Roasted corn, recipe above
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.