SERVES 4 TO 6

Ingredients:

Salt

1 pound fettuccine

EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), for drizzling

6 slices smoky bacon, chopped

6 ears corn on the cob, shucked

3 shallots, finely chopped

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

Black pepper

1 cup half-and-half or cream—whatever you put in your morning coffee

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

½ cup chicken stock or dry white wine

A few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch or two of cayenne pepper

A couple handfuls of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

½ cup chopped fresh sweet basil leaves or ¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon leaves

Method:

Bring home a bushel of corn at summer’s end, cook the ears, and scrape and freeze the kernels for year-round enjoyment.

Heat a large pot of water to boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta to al dente.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet with a drizzle of EVOO over medium to medium-high heat. Add the bacon to the pan and cook for a few minutes to crisp the bacon and render its fat. 

Place a small bowl inverted in a large bowl, steady the corn cobs on the smaller bowl, and scrape the kernels off the ears. Add three quarters of the kernels and liquids to the bacon. Add the shallots and bell pepper to the corn mixture and season liberally with salt and pepper. 

Cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the remaining corn to the food processor and puree with the cream. Stir in the thyme and the stock or wine into the corn mixture in the skillet, reduce for a minute, then stir in the corn-cream mixture. 

Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, to thicken. 

Add the hot sauce or cayenne pepper and adjust the salt and pepper. 

Drain the pasta, then toss with the sauce, parsley, and a couple handfuls of cheese, about ½ cup. Top with the basil or tarragon and pass the remaining cheese at the table.