Corn Chowder to Die For!

More great comfort food, good for a main dish or side.

a couple shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 bag frozen corn
EVOO, 2 Tbsp
Butter, 2 Tbsp
s/p to taste
4 C Chicken stock (can use vegetable broth)
1 tsp thyme
pinch cayenne (optional)
1 1/2 C half and half
about a pound of red potatoes chopped
few strands saffron (optional.  Expensive.  Adds a nice aroma and color, but not necessary)
Bacon, chop up a few cooked strips (optional)

Saute shallots and garlic in EVOO and butter; add frozen corn and brown a little, add s/p, chicken stock, thyme, pinch of cayenne, and potatoes.  Simmer until potatoes are cooked through.  Turn heat to low and add half and half, saffron, cooked bacon, heat through.

You will notice a lot is optional here.  Basically, there's a good base recipe here and then you can do whatever you want.  You can omit potatoes.  You can make it heartier with potatoes and even a cup or so of shredded carrots.  You can make it vegetarian using veggie stock and omitting bacon.  You can doctor it up using all of the above, and even adding some white wine at the beginning and cooking it out before adding the chicken stock.  This can be as simple and easy or as dressed up as you want.