Corn reborn

There’s nothing like the first ear of corn of the season, but after a while the corn-butter-salt combo can get a bit mundane. To combat corn-on-the-cob boredom, the Fresh Supersweet Corn Council has amassed a bunch of recipes, including the pictured Grilled Corn with Hotlips Chili Butter by Diane Morgan, author of “Dressed to Grill.” To make, preheat outdoor grill or broiler. Combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of ground red pepper. Brush corn lightly with mixture and grill, turning occasionally, until some kernels turn golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and brush with remaining chili butter. For a free recipe booklet, send a business-size SASE to: Fresh Supersweet Corn Council, 7 Ways for 7 Days, P.O. Box 636, New York, NY 10159.

Jack and grill

Feeling saucy? The folks at Jack Daniel’s think the secret of any good barbecue is in the sauce, so they’re asking grillers across the country to enter their recipe competition. The contest seeks original recipes containing at least 1/2 cup of Jack Daniel’s. The grand-prize entrant will win a trip for two to the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, which takes place Oct. 24-26. in Lynchburg, Va. To enter, you must be of legal drinking age. Submit recipe, name, address, phone number, date of birth, sex and e-mail address to: Jack Daniel’s “The Secret Is in the Sauce” Recipe Competition, 207 Seventh Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37219, or enter online at www.jackdaniels.com.

Ready, spaghetti?

It’s never too early to start thinking about recipes for the ninth annual Great Taste of Maine Lobster Governor’s Tasting and Culinary Competition, which will take place Oct. 15 at the Blaine House in Augusta. For this year’s theme, “Use Your Noodle,” chefs are asked to combine pasta and lobster. The gold, silver and bronze medalists, chosen by a panel of food experts, and the People’s Choice Award winner will receive cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000. To enter or for more information, call the Maine Lobster Promotion Council at 947-2966 or e-mail info@mainelobsterpromo.com.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.