Cheesy Smokey Corn Chowder

The picture does not do this corn chowder justice!  I just came up with this and it is SO good!! As you can probably tell, I love Mexican flavors!  And as far as I know, I have absolutely NO Mexican ancestors which is just a sad fact because I drink my tequila straight, love anything with jalapenos, and tacos are almost a weekly event at my house.  My husband said this corn chowder was the best he has ever had.  His advice, "You better write this one down!" so that is exactly what I am doing.

Ingredients:
4 ears of corn (about 4 cups if using frozen)
4 strips of bacon (cut into small strips...lardons)
1/2 of a sweet onion (diced)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon (crushed) chipotle peppers
1 can of diced green chilies
2 cups heavy cream
1-15oz can chicken stock (low sodium)
1 Tbsp Mexican Oregano...the secret ingredient
1 cup smoked Gouda cheese
2-3 cups sharp Cheddar cheese
A few Tbsp on butter
Salt and Pepper

Step 1:  In a large pot, brown bacon.  Remove, place on a paper towel, and set aside.  I am a crispy bacon girl, and this is why I chose to set it aside instead of leave it in the chowder.

Step 2:  While the bacon is frying, chop onion and garlic into small pieces.  Cut corn kernels off the cob!  I have the BEST tip for this...put your corn in a shallow bowl while you do this so that your kernels don't fly all over the kitchen.  They land right in the bowl! (Thank You Claire Robinson!)

Step 3:  Add about 2 Tbsp of butter to the pan, add chopped onions and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes.  Be sure to scrape all the bacon bits off the bottom of the pot...this is flavor!!

Step 4:  Add 2 more Tbsp of butter, corn, chipotle peppers, and green chilies to the pot.  Season with salt, pepper, and Mexican Oregano....I have to say, Mexican Oregano makes this whole chowder come together!  Cook about 4-5 minutes.

(Tip:  To get crushed chipotle peppers, put this whole can of chipotle peppers into your blender or food processor, fill 1/2 of the chipotle pepper can with water and add that to the blender also, then blend it together (about 30 seconds).  


Step 5:  Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot.  Slowly bring up the heat.  Add cheese, stirring constantly until it is melted.  Season with more salt and pepper to taste.  


Serve by adding the bacon to each individual bowl.  You will be sure to hear, "Thank you, Mom for dinner!  It was wonderful!"



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