A bowl of chowder soup for a snowy day

With the threat of being snowed-in coming just about every week it seems here in the Northeast, I get the urge to stay in my PJs, find some warm comfort food or drinks, and curl up on the couch.

One of my favorite soup recipes provides a hearty meal, lunch or dinner, and feeds either a big crowd or a few for the rest of the week. Making my own soup and chowder also makes me feel healthier by knowing what ingredients I’m putting into my food. It may not be the lowest in fat or calorie content but at least I know it’s MSG-free, lower in sodium than canned food, and made with fresh veggies.

Corn Chowder with Potatoes

Based on a Betty Crocker recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
• 1 medium stalk celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
• 1 can creamed corn kernels
• 2 medium potatoes; cut into chunks
• 3 cups milk (different types will give you different texture; I’ve used soy, 1%, and Lactaid)
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, if desired
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Chopped fresh parsley, if desired

Directions:

1. In deep bottom pot, cook butter, onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, stirring constantly, until vegetables soften but do not brown.
2. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well with wooden spoon. Cook about 2 minutes.
3. Stirring constantly, slowly add broth and wine (make sure to scrape bottom of pan as flour tends to stick).
4. Stir in corn, potatoes, milk, salt, pepper if desired, and nutmeg.
5. Heat soup to a gentle simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender. (Corn can be naturally salty depending on the season, so make sure to taste before adding extra salt.)
6. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Enjoy with your favorite artisan bread and a great movie!

Allison is an Account Manager at Mom Central Consulting.

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