- Gather the family around buttery roasted corn for your next reunion.Corn on the Cob image by Leticia Wilson from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Family reunions based on a theme that revolves around food can help organize and entertain a large group of people. A corn roast focuses on a relatively inexpensive main ingredient, allowing whatever budget the event runs on to cover a wider array of items including entertainment, additional food items, activities and decorations depicting an autumnal scene perfect for roasting corn. - An outdoor setting works best for a corn roast, for the proximity to the grill, the outdoor farm theme and for the large space that can accommodate a large number of people. Private yards or beaches work best rather than parks, as there is no limit on time. A large grill is a necessity at a corn roast, and if the reunion is rather large, multiple grills may be needed. Set up large tables covered in table clothes and surround with benches or garden chairs. To get the cornfield atmosphere, set up hay bales for sitting, and if in the fall season, decorate the area and tables with pumpkins, baskets of apples, cornucopias and scare crows.
- A large amount of whole corn on the cob still in its husk is needed for a family corn roast. Estimate two whole corns per person. A traditional corn roast is done with the corn still in its wrapping so that it is both steamed and grilled at the same time. To prepare the corn, remove the silk from the crown and place in a cold bucket of water for about fifteen minutes. Carefully peal the husk down but not off, it should still be attached. Seasonings such as herbs can be applied to the corn at this time. Fold the husk back up and over the corn so it is covered but looser than before. Cook the corn over medium heat until char spots appear. Move the corn to indirect heat and cook for at least 15 minutes. Pull down the husk and brush off any remaining silk. Provide butter, olive oil, salt and any other favorite topping for the guests to dress their corn with. The corn should be grilled from the beginning to end of the party.
- Though grilled corn is undoubtedly the focal point of the reunion, it is imperative that a few other food items be served if the event is to cover a great span of time, especially the lunch or dinner hour. Grilled chicken; kabob meats; salads such as fresh vegetable, potato, pasta or egg salad; crispy French breads; dried meats; cheese; popcorn; and fruits. Other corn items, such as corn chowder, corn bread and corn salsa with chips are also appropriate and stick with the theme. Corn ice cream, honey corn cakes, brownies, cookies, cobbler and pie are all possible dessert ideas.
- When the whole family is gathered together, a variety of drinks is usually necessary --- you may have the same genes, but that doesn't mean the same tastes. Set up a self-service bar table with buckets of cold beer in bottles, lemonade, wine coolers, sodas and juices. A selection of both red and white wines is also proper for those who don't drink beer. For the kids, homemade lemonade or sweet sun tea in large glass spigot pitchers is a fun gesture.
- Family reunions that include both children and adults usually consist of planned activities to help keep the younger generations entertained. Classic field games such as wheelbarrow races, three-legged race, egg drop race (maybe using corn cob pipes) and even a corn-shaped piñata (if you can find one or make one) will help liven up the event. Maybe a game of bobbing for corn. Music or a live band, a game table with cards, dominoes and a chess board will keep everyone entertained until the last corn on the cob leaves the grill.
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