CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Today's flatbread is more a corn pancake or fritter and, yes, we're frying them, but in the little oil that's present in a buttery spread. To be more comfortable, we could say "sautéed" or "pan-seared" instead of fried.

I couldn't ignore that fresh corn and red bell peppers are already coming in from the farm fields. Zucchini seems to be eternally and year-round abundant.

I have a slight midnight confession. I used fresh ramps when I made this, omitting the green onion in favor of the supposedly odiferous plant.

Back in late spring, when ramps were in season, daughter Michele gave me enough for a mess, which became the basis for the flatbread and for my two-onion beef stir-fry.

I disagree with ramp's reputation of having a strong and lasting bad odor. To me, they are mild and no more offensive than garlic or shallots. Over the years I've had stronger-smelling and stronger-tasting green onions.

The bread is another avenue to highlight farm-to-table fresh vegetables. An optional step in the preparation is to sauté the corn, zucchini, onion and pepper to soften slightly before adding to the cornmeal.

When the weather cools a bit, don't forget a pot of cooked dry beans or chili as a perfect go-with for the bread.

Double Corn and Zucchini Flatbreads

Makes 9 breads.

     1 1/2     cups fresh corn cut from cob (about 2 small ears)

     1    cup grated zucchini

     1/2  cup diced green onion, including green tops

     1/2  cup diced red bell pepper

     1     fresh jalapeño pepper, minced (optional)

     1 1/4     cups white self-rising cornmeal

     1    egg

     1/4  cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk or skim milk

     Smart Balance buttery spread

COMBINE corn, zucchini, onion and pepper; stir in cornmeal, egg and milk, blending well.

HEAT 2 tablespoons Smart Balance in skillet; using 1/4 cup measure, drop batter into skillet, flattening to a somewhat thin but even thickness.

COOK as many at a time that will fit a skillet without touching until each is browned on both sides, turning once.

WIPE skillet after each batch is done, if desired, to assure a clean skillet, melting additional Smart Balance for the next cooking.

Nutrition information: Per 1/9 recipe: 90 calories, 15 calories from fat, 1.5 grams fat, zero grams saturated fat, 25 milligrams cholesterol, 230 milligrams sodium, 18 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein.

Reach Judy Grigoraci at ...@suddenlink.net.