Summer Corn Chowder with Bacon

Summer Corn Chowder: A Grandma's Speedy Recipe

As a busy grandmother, time is my most precious ingredient. My days are a whirlwind of childcare, errands, and the occasional stolen moment to relax with a good book. Cooking, for me, has always been a way to connect with my family, a way to show my love and appreciation. My son, Paul, was a picky eater growing up – quite the challenge for a new cook! But it ignited a passion in me, a desire to create meals that even the fussiest eaters would enjoy. Now, years later, Paul's children are the beneficiaries of my culinary journey. They've grown up around my kitchen, and they've inherited my love of good food, and thankfully, my son has learned to appreciate my cooking as well.

This summer corn chowder is a perfect example of how I approach cooking: speed and simplicity, without sacrificing flavour. I love the creamy texture, the subtle sweetness of the corn, and the smoky crunch of the bacon. It's a dish that satisfies the entire family, from my grandchildren's adventurous palates to my daughter-in-law's appreciation for home-cooked comfort. The best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes, giving me more time to spend with the people I love. It's a recipe born out of necessity, a way to nourish my family while still finding moments for myself, and that's a feeling that's just as heartwarming as the chowder itself.

The secret to this quick chowder lies in the partial blending. I carefully puree part of the soup, creating a wonderfully creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or lengthy cooking times. This also helps to maintain the integrity of the corn kernels, providing a delightful textural contrast in every spoonful. It's a technique I learned over the years, refining and adapting recipes to fit my busy schedule, which is often chaotic but always full of love. The end result is a simple, delicious soup that the whole family loves.

I often make a double batch on Sundays, portioning it out into individual containers for quick weeknight meals. It reheats beautifully, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is short, but the desire for a hearty and healthy meal remains strong. So when you’re short on time, but full of love, I invite you to give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a testament to how delicious and efficient cooking can be.

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a snapshot of my life, a testament to the power of family, and the simple joy of creating something delicious for the ones I love. The recipe represents cherished family memories and the love that nourishes them, creating a legacy of good food and laughter for generations to come. The simplicity of the recipe speaks volumes of the love that goes into every dish I prepare, highlighting the importance of sharing meals with loved ones.

More than a recipe, it's a story of family, a celebration of togetherness, and a testament to the importance of simple pleasures in life. It's a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there's always time to create something delicious and share it with those you love. The aroma filling the kitchen as the corn chowder simmers is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face, a comfort that transcends the simple act of eating, becoming a symbol of family and warmth.

Step-by-step

• Sauté bacon in large pot over medium-high heat until crisp and brown.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
• Add corn, fennel, zucchini, and potatoes to drippings in pot; sauté 5 minutes.
• Add 3 cups broth and simmer uncovered over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
• Transfer 3 cups soup to blender.
• Holding blender top firmly, puree until smooth.
• Return puree to soup in pot.
• Stir in cream and cayenne.
• Bring chowder to simmer, thinning with more broth if too thick.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Ladle chowder into bowls and sprinkle with bacon and chives.