Corn chowder

I love a good chowder and my favorite lately has definitely been corn chowder. Sweet corn, salty bacon and a rich flavour all combine to make a great meal. I like to add a bit of spice to mine but thats optional.

Ingredients

8 slices bacon, diced

1/4 cup flour

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large onion, diced

1 lbs potato, cubed

4 cups frozen corn

5 cups water

1 cup half and half or heavy cream

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven place cook bacon until just crispy, remove and set aside

2. Using a paper towel soak up most of the bacon grease reserving about 1 tbsp in pottom of pot

3. Add garlic and onion to pot and cook until onion is clear and soft

4. Add flour and stir until onion is well coated

5. add potato and corn to pot then pour in water, paprika and thyme.

6. Bring to a simmer for 18-20 minutes until potatos are soft enough to puncture with a fork.

7. Add 1 cup half and half and stir until incorporated.

8. Add back in most of the bacon reserving some for topping

9. At this point add in salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve with bacon, green onion and cayenne pepper for topping