I microwave corn too (I do peel back the outer leave and remove as
much silk as possible and also to check for worms), but I don't
bother wrapping in paper towels, just make sure to put back a layer
of leaves (you can rubber band the tip if you want).
And time may vary depending on your microwave and how well done you
like your corn :-) On mine it's only 2 minutes per ear, but I
like my corn al dente (I forget my wattage too).
Also, I may have learnt this from this list, but try squeezing a
fresh lime wedge on your corn.
Another cool way to cook it is on the grill. It takes longer and
some people don't like it charred, but I think it's a nice change and
it comes out drier, with a smoky flavor. Soak the ears (with husks on as
if microwaving) in water for about 1/2 hour first, and you turn the
ears on a hot grill until it's charred on about three sides. Test spearing
it with a fork to see if it's done to your likeness.... My rough guess is
that it takes 15 minutes, maybe longer, but I am not the grill-chef in my
family so I don't really know.
Aiko Pinkoski
aiko@xxxxxxxxxxx
------------------------------