Food

It's all in the timing. Whether you like them runny or totally firm, perfect eggs are just a few minutes away.

Whether you want a soft-boiled egg to dip your toast sticks in, or to top off a salad — timing is the key to getting that egg just right.

Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with spiced crema and sprinkled with cotija—a mild Mexican cheese—and other toppings, is a wonderful way to enjoy corn at its peak. It’s particularly well-suited to a DIY bar: Lay out a few options and let your guests add their own toppings.

In the summer of 1992, late novelist and food writer Laurie Colwin published a spectacular corn-and-tomato pie in her book, Home Cooking. Made with a thin biscuit crust, it was inspired by a similar James Beard recipe. It’s wonderful straight from the oven, at room temperature or cold— so it’s perfect picnic fare. This is a streamlined version: The original and its many adaptations call for peeling the tomatoes and removing their seeds and juice, which is unnecessary. If you’re worried about juiciness, opt for plum or Roma tomatoes.

Maize is a key ingredient in warm and cold beverages around the world. This deliciously creamy version, popular in Guatemala and other Latin American countries, highlights the sweetness of corn and can be served warm or chilled. It can even be turned into a milkshake by blending the chilled milk mixture with vanilla ice cream.