March Madness party planner: sweet and savory recipes to match your team

Northern Iowa: Corn Cakes With Fresh Corn and Chive-
Iowa and corn â€" the association is nothing new, but these light and flaky Corn Cakes with Fresh Corn and Chopped Chives give a sophisticated spin on everyone’s favorite midwestern crop. Whip up a batch as the Northern Iowa Panthers prepare to take on Michigan State:

Ingredients:
1 fresh ear of corn or 1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup milk
1 slightly beaten egg
1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 teaspoon snipped fresh chives or cilantro (optional)
1/3 cup dairy sour cream

Directions:
1. Cut corn kernels from cob and measure 1/2 cup. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl stir boiling water into cornmeal to make a stiff mush. Stir in milk until smooth; then stir in fresh or frozen corn, egg, and the 1 tablespoon chives. Add flour mixture and stir just until combined.

3. In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons into hot oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Transfer to a serving platter; cover and keep warm.

4. Repeat with remaining b less