Sunday, October 16, 2005

Weekend Recipe Exchange - Soups!

I almost forgot. Actually, I did forget, but I went to Theresa's and was reminded that today is Sunday and Sunday is the Weekend Recipe Exchange! This week's theme is Soups. Mmmmm!

So, today I found a recipe that is close to what I make, because, honestly this is one that I make up as I go along. It is a warm, cozy meal on a cold winter day. One of my favorites!

Corn Chowder
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 small onion, diced
1 small carrot, finely diced
1 small celery stalk, diced
1 clove garlic, minced (actually I always use 2 or 3)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups white corn kernels, fresh or frozen
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg (haha! you know I don't grind my own nutmeg! Use the stuff from the store.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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.
I often also put cooked, shredded chicken breast in it to make a real, hearty meal out of it. This is so warm and yummy on a dark, cold day.

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