Husks make great (natural) corn holders

I've lost more corn on the cob holders over the years than I can count. I don't know if they inadvertently get thrown out after a cookout or roll under the picnic table and are carried off by squirrels. It seems like I never have as many at the end of the summer as I start with.

So when I spied the photo of McCormick's Grilled Corn on the Cob with Mesquite Cilantro Butter I was as much intrigued by the holder as I was the actual recipe.

The holders aren't anything you find online or at the store, and you don't have to worry about them getting lost, or even buying them. You see, they come with the corn.

Here's what the folks at McCormick say to do: Peel back the corn husks without removing husk or stem. Remove all of the corn silk. With husks pulled back, tie together with piece of husk. This creates a handle for the corn.

Simply genius, I tell you.

And the rest of the recipe isn't bad either. Mix ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro and 1 teaspoon mesquite grill seasoning (such as McCormick Grill Mates) in a small bowl. Grill 8 ears of corn over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until corn is tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally.

Spread butter mixture over corn. Sprinkle with ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese and serve.

Charmed, I'm sure: Seems that not too long ago corporations did their best to distance themselves from the gay and lesbian community. Lucky Charms's initiative shows just how far we've come on that front.

In honor of pride month, Lucky Charms officials are asking fans to show how they help make the world a more colorful place by sharing messages, photos and video across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms using #LuckyToBe.

The program is about honoring everything that makes each of us special — just like the colorful marshmallow charms make Lucky Charms cereal special.

With Chicago's Pride Fest this weekend and the 44th annual Pride Parade June 29, there are several reasons to bake a Lucky Rainbow Cake or mix up a Lucky Rainbow Martini.

For the cocktail, rub a fresh lemon slice around the rim of a martini glass and dip into a plate of crushed marshmallows. Take another 10 marshmallows from the Lucky Charms box and put them in the bottom of a martini glass. Add 1 ounce vodka or gin and stir slightly. Top with 4 ounces well-chilled tonic water, lemonade or white cranberry juice and a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Get more recipes and other Charming ideas at http://luckyto.be.

Market watch: Did you forget to save the annual farmers market guide from the paper the other week? Don't fret.

If you want the full list of when and where local farmers are selling their produce and products, it's all online at dailyherald.com. Put Farmers Market List in the search box on the home page.

You can also find lists of markets and other events at dailyherald.com/calendar.

• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at dpankey@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Be her friend at Facebook.com/DebPankey.Daily Herald or follow her on Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram @PankeysPlate.