Though it’s possible to get most fresh fruits and vegetables year-round now, there is something very special about fresh, local corn on the cob. At its peak, it’s tender, crunchy and dreamily creamy. It’s ridiculously inexpensive, too, begging to be included in every meal.
It’s best the day it’s picked, so making some into soup is a great way to deal with an embarrassment of riches. Shaker Summer Tomato, Celery and Corn Chowder is a family favourite. Light but filling, it makes a hearty first course or can star as the main event for a casual summer supper.
Making a batch of soup inspired me to dig out my Arte Italica pewter-lidded individual soup tureens (long discontinued, but sometimes available at Replacements).
They go with practically any table setting, so the next step was choosing their co-stars.
A paisley tablecloth from HomeGoods was cheerful and functional. Ok – done. The reds and greens seemed to jump out and vintage Faience salad plates by Gien (an e-Bay find) were a natural base for the soup tureens.
I tucked some Libbey Yute gold-toned glass plates underneath and used the matching tumblers. They’re both from Pier 1 this year, available online only. I wasn’t sure about them at first, but think they’ll prove very versatile, especially for the fall and Christmas season.
The glass has a fun burlap texture, and the warm gold tone provides a bit of colour without being distracting; sorry – I should have a done a better job with a close-up… The Wooden Handled flatware is from World Market.
What says “country” more than red checked napkins (Williams Sonoma, years ago), especially when combined with galvanized watering can napkin rings (Pier 1, this year)?
The centrepiece became the main course, naturally.
Herb de Provence Tomato salt & peppers from Kaldun & Bogle slid in beside an extra corn salt shaker by Fitz & Floyd (e-Bay). Salt is in demand during corn season!
Corn and summer – as wonderful today as it was when I was a kid. I grew up in the country and the height of the corn was a sure sign of summer’s progress. By mid-August, it had grown to its full height and the tassels had turned to a deep golden. Time to think about back to school and the Canadian National Exhibition! Going to ‘the Ex” was a must-do every summer. This giant fair still takes place from mid-August until Labour Day.
Back in the day, it was considered quite appropriate for a group of school-aged children to head off on their own, and we were delirious with excitement as the Ex approached. Money was hoarded all summer to be spent in a glorious burst of rides and midway games. On the big day, cash, coupons and tickets were carefully tucked away along with admonishments not to speak to strangers and to watch out for pick-pockets. We managed pretty well, and the burgeoning independence was as heady as the fair itself.
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
Yup, those were the days…making my way around Scotland alone as a teenager, taking the train to Auld Reekie to buy my uniform. Wish I were as self-possessed now! Amazing what kids can do when given the right freedoms/obligations.
Despite the unusual heat and water stress, we have corn enough, brought from down in the flats, and up here the *plock* of apples falling from the trees or into pails. Even the hazelnut thinks fall is coming.
My first acquisition in Alsace was Emile Henry soup bowls like that. I keep the diameter in mind when at flea markets in case I spot some lids. As fall comes on, they are very handy The watering cans were on sale a few weeks ago; I knew I should have bought some. I like how they echo the soup lids. Soon we’ll be using the F&F Bristol pumpkins!
It sure feels a bit fallish, doesn’t it Beatrice? Just that tinge…
The soup bowl part is pretty standard, so good luck finding some lids! That would be terrific.
12 below zero today. All week t9o. Seeing sweet corn in August on your table is a treat. I’ve been oooing & ahhhing over Evesham boiled corn holder/ plates on Ebay in fruits & veggie pattern with gold rim and how great they’d be in both form & function on this table. Summer delight, Helen. Mmmm mmm
Happy Valentine’s day!
Brrrr – it has been a cold week in Canada with tons of snow. We really got blasted, after an innocuous start to the winter. Evesham corn holders are so elegant! They take it to a new level. 🙂