She served me plain corn on the cob at one of our first lunches together ... as this is a sign they've been sitting for a while. The silk at the top of the corn will be pale and damp when fresh.

Corn on the cob soaked in a butter bath ... of this technique is that the butter gets everywhere. As opposed to just sitting ...

Cover and chill until needed. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. For the corn on the cob, in a bowl, beat together the butter, smoked paprika, dried sage, chilli flakes, cracked black pepper ...