I made corn chowder for dinner. Everyone loved it. I mean they LOVED it. I didn’t really follow a recipe, just looked at a few different ones, combined what sounded good, and started with a lot of butter. Everything is better when you start with butter, right?
So, here’s the ‘recipe’ so I’ll be able to make it again someday. Because if I don’t post it, I’ll never remember what I put in it. Oh, and you can try it, too.
- Start with a lot of butter in a dutch oven. No, really, put in more. Okay, now a bit more. There, that looks good. Actually I used about a cup of butter.
- Then add some onions. Not a lot, because Zach doesn’t like them. Just a little for flavor. Or more if you’re not feeding Zach. (Really, this is how I cook.) Cook the onion in the butter until it’s transparent. Or until Zach comes in and looks in the pot and wrinkles his nose when he sees the onions.
- Now look in the fridge for some ham. Yep, found some. Deli sliced ham. Slice it into little squares. Add it to the onions and butter. I think I used about 10 slices. Bacon (already cooked) would work well instead.
- Now add about a cup or so of chicken stock. Homemade is best. Store bought works just as well.
- Add 3 cans of creamed corn. Yes, 3 cans. I know you don’t like creamed corn, but it will taste fine. Trust me.
- Peel and dice some potatoes. I dice them small, like a half-inch square. They cook faster that way and they’re cute little bite size pieces. It looks pretty. I used maybe 7 small potatoes. Maybe more. Maybe less. It’s whatever I had left in the bag.
- Cook all this together stirring pretty frequently because everything really wants to stick to the bottom of the pan. It will if you answer the phone or wash the dishes. So don’t be tempted. Pay attention. Cook until the potatoes are soft. Taste one to see.
- Then add about 1 1/2 (yes, one AND one-half) cups of half and half. Whole milk won’t cut it. Just do it. You’ll thank me. Simmer gently until it’s all heated through. Don’t boil.
- Make some quick homemade baking powder biscuits to go with it. You could do this while the potatoes are cooking. Just don’t forget to stir the chowder. Enjoy.