Heat oven at 400 degrees.The combined flavors hit all the right notes: sweet, creamy, salty, crunchy, and good. This recipe should come with a warning . . . addictive. Make extra.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups corn (if using frozen corn, fully thaw and drain)
2½ tsp fresh tarragon, chopped
½ tsp salt, plus extra to taste
½ tsp pepper, plus extra to taste
4 Tbsp olive oil
8 oz pancetta, cut into bite-size pieces
2 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup onion, diced (we used a sweet onion)
½ cup chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven at 400 degrees.
Combine corn, tarragon, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes.
While the corn is roasting, cook the pancetta on medium-high heat on the stovetop until it is crispy. Drain all but a small amount of fat from the pan, and lower the heat to medium. Stir in maple syrup and continue to stir until the pancetta is caramelized. Hint: turn on your stove fan. Once finished, remove from heat and set aside in a small bowl. The pancetta is going to harden up a bit, but will soften during the final cooking process.
In a sauté pan, on medium heat, melt the butter and add the onions. Cook until tender.
Add chicken stock, cook down by half, then add cream and cook for a few minutes until combined. Add the pancetta, stirring to break it up, followed by the corn. Cook until desired consistency, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve as a side dish or small plate.
The White Horse Tavern is one of our most favorite spots in New England. We highly recommend visiting in the fall or winter—it’s very romantic (order a Dark and Stormy at the bar). The two-story building located on Marlborough Street in Newport, Rhode Island, was originally built in 1652 and opened as a tavern in 1673, making it the oldest tavern in the United States.
There was a broad range of clientele in the early days, including colonists, British soldiers, sailors, and pirates. In 1702, it was acquired by the legendary pirate, William Mayes, Jr. Mayes had returned to Newport with some serious bounty and took over. However, since it was an embarrassment to have a crazy pirate running a meeting place for the General Assembly, Criminal Court, and City Council, Mayes’s run did not last long.
Eventually the building fell into disrepair but was completely restored in 1957 by the Preservation Society of Newport. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood from the Narragansett Bay and gaze upon the fabulous historical artifacts within its walls.
Itty Bitty Rhode Island Packs a Punch
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams in 1636. But it wasn’t exactly for good reason. He was banished from Massachusetts because he was outspoken on his views about separating church and state. He bought the land from the Narragansett Indians, and it turned out to be a wise move as Newport became a major player in trade ports.
Personally, when we think of Rhode Island, we think of Rocky Point Amusement Park and their very memorable clam cakes. Unfortunately, the park, which was built in 1847, closed its doors in 1995. Not exactly colonial history, but we needed to mention it in order to explain our next recipe.
FUN FACT
The very first Jewish synagogue in the New World, Touro Synagogue, was established in Newport.
They forbade slave trading starting in 1652.
It was the final state to ratify the Constitution in fear of the government becoming too powerful.
Major industries included fishing, whaling, ship-building, rum-making, and farming.