Earthbound Farm Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 cups corn kernels, fresh or corn kernels, frozen
• 3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in 1/4 inch dice
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 2 celery ribs, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 2 cups yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp (5-10 minutes) then drain on paper towels.

2. 2

   Add the onion and celery to the fat and cook until they are soft for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add stock, bay leaf, potatoes and thyme to the saucepan and boil over high heat. Reduce and let simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

4. 4

   Cover and turn off heat. Leave on stove for 20 minutes then discard the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Add the bacon, corn and half-and half. (You can remove 2 cups of the chowder and puree it in a blender and then add that back to the chowder for a thicker consistency).

5. 5

   Season with salt and pepper.