Corn Chowder

The wind is howling. Dark grey, puffy clouds are sailing across a crisp blue sky.
Sun one minute, dark the next.

Time for some Chowder. Not Clam Chowder. Don't like clams.
Unfortunately no scallops in the house for Scallop Chowder. I love scallops.
I did manage to find a big can of corn in the depths of our mini pantry and we had some potatoes, onions and carrots. So, Corn Chowder it is.



Corn Chowder
serves 6-8

2 ounces thick cut bacon, diced
2 cups onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 celery rib, diced (optional)
8 ounces white or yellow potatoes, peeled and diced
5 cups chicken stock
2 fresh thyme sprigs
3 cups corn - canned, frozen or fresh (about 6 ears)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
a pinch of cayenne (optional)

Cook bacon in a large, heavy pot over moderate heat, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
Add onion, carrots and optional celery to bacon fat and cook, stirring, until onion is softened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the potatoes, chicken stock and thyme and simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Add the corn and cream and simmer 10 minutes, uncovered.
Add salt and pepper to taste, and optional cayenne, then stir in bacon and serve.