Chef Becs Kickin Corn Chowder Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Slice bacon into small pieces.
• 2. Using a dutch oven or large soup pot, cook bacon on medium heat until rendered down and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon onto a paper towel, you can discard, use for another recipe or crumble on top of the chowder if you desire. Do not drain the bacon fat, you will be using to cook vegetables
• 3. While the bacon is rendering, chop potatoes and carrots into small cubes, slice celery, and mince shallots and bell peppers
• 4. Add the potatoes, bell pepper, celery, carrots and shallots to the bacon fat and cook on medium to medium high heat until the vegetables are soft, but not cooked through, approximately 10 - 12 minutes.
• 5. Add the corn and cook for another 15 minutes on medium heat to soften the kernels slightly.
• 6. Add 3/4 of the box of Chicken Stock and the Chicken Base, bring to a boil then turn on low simmer for 1 hour stirring occasionally adding more stock if needed as the liquid is absorbed.
• 7. Take 1/2 of the mixture and put in blender or food processor just to cream some of the corn mixture for a smoother texture or if you have an immersion blender you can just put it into the chowder while on the stove.
• 8. Mix the butter and flour until smooth and add to the chowder. Add the cream and sour cream or cream cheese, let cook for 5 - 7 minutes just to thicken up, then add the green chilies, let cook for 5 to 10 minutes. You can add the whole can of chilis or to your taste. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if you desire or you can freeze for later. Makes 6 servings

Steps:

• Melt 1 stick of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Cook until the roux is lightly browned; set aside to cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, combine the corn and chicken stock in another saucepan, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the boiling stock with the corn (a little at a time) into the saucepan with the roux, whisking briskly so it doesn't lump. Return the skillet to the heat and bring to a boil. The mixture should become very thick.
• In a small saucepan, gently heat the half-and-half; stir it into the thick corn mixture. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste.
• Just before serving, cut the remaining stick of butter into large chunks. Add it to enrich the soup, stirring until the butter melts. (This added butter could be optional).