Lemon thyme, available at farmers markets and specialty produce markets, lends this corn a delicate lemony-herbal flavor, but feel free to use regular fresh thyme instead. Steaming the corn is a gentle method that allows you to cook it in butter; you can pull back the husks and use them as a handle while eating.
Cooks' notes:
·If you don't have a pot deep enough to stand corn in, use a large roasting pan with a rack. Straddle pan across 2 burners and add just enough water to reach rack. Bring to a boil, then arrange half of corn in 1 layer on rack. Cover pan tightly with foil and steam about 6 minutes. Repeat with remaining corn.
·Corn can be husked and reassembled with butter and thyme (but not cooked) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.