West Tisbury

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There has been frost on the roof the past two mornings, silvery and sparkling. Still, a perhaps-last rose of the season is in a vase by our bathroom sink, and a few blue myrtle blossoms catch my eye when I walk around the yard. It feels early for Thanksgiving. Earlier still that Christmas is only a month away.

That said, it’s time for the annual reprinting of my corn pudding recipe:

4 oz. (½; stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 16-ounce can corn kernels, drained
1 16-ounce can cream style corn
1 cup sour cream
1 9-ounce box of Jiffy Corn Muffin mix

Mix ingredients together. Pour into baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or till a knife comes out clean.

For anyone who hasn’t made it before, the recipe doubles nicely (it will take longer to bake) and everyone loves it. I know it’s not made with perfect local ingredients, but it’s easy and only once a year.

My niece, Charlotte, who is a professional chef, has tweaked the recipe. I am including her version. It sounds delicious, too.

First, you make your own creamed corn. Charlotte says it can be made the day ahead and refrigerated.

In a heavy bottomed pot, 1 cup heavy cream and the following seasonings to taste: bay leaf, garlic clove, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom pod, lemon zest. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out spices.

Add:
16 ounces fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, rinse and bring to room temperature)
serrano chile, finely diced

Return to heat and simmer till thickened.

For the pudding, combine:
4 ounces melted butter
3 eggs, beaten
16 ounces fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, see above)
creamed corn
8 ounces sour cream
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 ½; Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt

Pour into 12-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish. Bake at 375 for about an hour, till set in the middle. Cool in pan.

While I’m writing about Charlotte, Happy Birthday, honey, on the 26th.

Town meeting was a success, despite a scramble to find a quorum. Kathy Logue and others called around and Chief Estrella paged firemen with a reminder. The meeting began late, but the agenda was quickly handled, mostly house-keeping. The big issue, money to continue the police station project, passed easily.

I needed some new brushes and copy paper, so made the trip to Educomp for supplies and to see my dear Sara, formerly Magnuson, now known as “the blushing bride” or Sara Magnuson Carter. Sara is still blushing and looking very happy since her marriage to Paul Carter on October 20. They had a lovely party at the Harbor View, overlooking Edgartown lighthouse, where Paul had proposed. Wishing you much love, laughter, and happiness for the rest of your lives.

A correction from last week’s column, Jo Ann Murphy is West Tisbury’s Veterans Agent. Brian Athearn is Veterans Graves Officer.

Churches and organizations across the Island are preparing for holiday events. Our West Tisbury Church will hold their wonderful Christmas Faire on December 8. Anyone wanting to order boxwood wreaths, centerpieces, or miniature trees, please call the church office by December 5, 508-693-2842. By pre-ordering, you may ask for special decorations or ribbons, colors, and sizes.

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard is looking for artists, artisans, bakers, crafters of anything special to donate to Handmade from the Heart, their annual fundraiser held during Christmas in Edgartown. Please call or email Rachel Beaulieu at 508-693-0189, rachelbeaulieu2001@yahoo.com.

“Happy Birthday” wishes to John Athearn on November 19 and Dan Cabot on the 22nd.

Don’t forget the library will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, so get your books and movies early before the holiday. Mother Goose on the Loose will not be held this Friday, November 23. The Monday Night Movie, “Lifeboat,” will begin at 7 pm at the Chilmark Library.

I ran into Jen Doyle outside the UPS Store last week. She had just delivered ten boxes of supplies collected by the Island Children’s School families for families in Rockaway, New York. UPS donated half the cost of shipping. Thanks for a nice project.

This is the third project I have heard about. Coats and blankets, food and diapers, were collected the week before. It’s hard to think of these families whose lives and communities have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy, especially as we prepare to celebrate holidays with our island mostly intact.