3 large eggs, separated
1 1/4 cups fresh corn kernels, preferably Silver Queen (about 3 ears)
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup freshly chopped tarragon
1/2 cup crème frâiche or sour cream
Pinch of cayenne
1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, picked through for cartilage and shells
24 1-inch snipped pieces of chive
Coarse salt and freshly ground white pepper
Place the egg yolks in a blender with about half of the corn kernels and puree
until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl; add the remaining corn, cornmeal, and
chives. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper.
In a separate metal or glass bowl using a handheld mixer whisk the egg whites
until stiff peaks form. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites
into the corn mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large cast iron skillet or nonstick pan
over medium high heat. When the butter is sizzling drop the batter by the tablespoon
into the skillet, leaving plenty of room between the corn cakes. Cook until
small bubbles form on the top and the bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Using an offset spatula flip the cakes and cook an additional 2 minutes. Place
the cakes on a wire rack to cool. Repeat the process with the remaining butter
and batter.
In a small bowl combine the tarragon and crème frâiche. Season
with a pinch of cayenne, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Top each corn cake with a nice lump of crabmeat then a small dollop of the seasoned crème frâiche. Garnish each cake with a piece of chive. Serve with Champagne and enjoy!