Ham & Corn Chowder

Ham & Corn Chowder

A great soup to warm up with on a cold day!

What is a chowder? Chowder is a thickened soup that usually contains milk or cream. Chowder can be thickened by using broken up Saltines by the individual. This soup is VERY flavorful, and can be eaten with or without the crackers. I made this for a party, and it was a HUGE hit! VERY VERY easy to make.

HAM & CORN CHOWDER

Serves 10-12        Prep: 20 min.        Cook: 25 min.

Ingredients:

• 8 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup diced green pepper
• 3 cups cubed peeled potatoes (about 3 or 4 medium potatoes)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups whole milk, divided
• 4 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) whole kernel corn, divided
• 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 3 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)

Directions:

• In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel to drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan. 
• Saute the onion, celery, and green pepper in drippings for 5 minutes. 
• Add potatoes and broth. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. 
• Place 1/2 cup milk and 2 cups corn in a blender; cover and process until pureed. Pour into saucepan.
• Add ham and remaining corn to saucepan; simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 
• Stir in the butter, parsley, salt, pepper, pepper sauce (optional), and remaining milk. Heat through.
• Garnish with bacon. 

Mangia Mangia!