Summer Corn Chowder with Bacon

This deeeelicious chowder is perfect for those cold winter days (even if it is made with summer veggies).  This comes together quickly and tastes fantastic.

Summer Corn Chowder with Bacon

Recipe from Epicurious

12 slices bacon

12 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels

3 c. chopped fresh fennel bulb (substitute onions and celery if you don't have fennel)

2 c. zucchini or summer squash, 1/2" cubes

2 c. russet potatoes, 1/2" cubes

2 cans chicken broth

1 c. whipping cream OR evaporated milk

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 c. chopped fresh chives

salt and pepper to taste

Saute bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crisp and brown.

Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

To drippings, add corn, fennel, zucchini, and potatoes and saute for 5 minutes.

Add chicken broth and simmer uncovered, over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. 

Transfer 6 cups of the soup to a blender, and puree until smooth.

Return puree to soup in pot.

Stir in cream and cayenne.

Bring chowder back to a simmer.

Season to taste with salt and pepper (I had to add about 1 tsp. of kosher salt).

Chop bacon and chives.

Ladle chowder into bowls and sprinkle with bacon and chives.

Serves 8.

If freezing: 

Let soup cool to room temperature.  Pour into freezer bags/containers and freeze for up to 6 months.  Freeze bacon separately to serve on top.