Ham + Potato Chowder

Hi! Remember me? 

I hope so. 

I'm that lady who blogged every day until we got hit with

Mono

Ear Infections

Flu

Holiday Shuffle (not to be confused with Cupid's version)


Speaking of the most recent holidays, I know a lot of ya'll made some ham. 

Mm. Yes. It's a staple here for Christmas, and when you live in a state like ours where you're known for a good ham, you can't skip it. I think it's even illegal. 

Just kidding.

Here's our ham from Christmas. 

When you're feeding a crowd, you might not have many leftovers. We have two adults, and two toddlers who will eat some, so we have a good bit remaining.

Why not make some soup with it? 

Ingredients:

8 slices of bacon, diced

1/4 cup butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion diced 

3 large carrots, diced

4 ribs celery, diced

1 bell pepper

2 cups of frozen corn, divided

2 tsp thyme leaves

1 tsp dill

4 tbsp flour

1 tbsp chicken base
3 cups milk

1 cup heavy cream

4 large potatoes, diced

seasoned salt

pepper

leftover slices of ham (or you can use a ham steak)

I think bacon could be added to anything with intent to improve greatly. 

Method To The Madness:

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot. Once crispy, drain the bacon on a paper towel, leaving the remaining grease in the pot.
2. Add butter to the pot over medium heat, with the garlic, onion and pepper. Saute for about 3 minutes until onions are clear. Add 1 cup corn and stir. Add the flour in, stirring to coat all the vegetables.
3. Take about half of the mixture in the pot, and blend it up until it's a chunky puree. Add it back to the soup, stirring until mixed. 

4. Add the remaining ingredients, and slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the mixture has thickened to your liking. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour into a bowl, top with the bacon bits. You can also add sour cream, cheese, or anything else you'd like! Devour, and repeat if necessary.