Ham, Potato and Corn Chowder

The weather here has been so bizarre... it was so nice on Monday, I didn't even need a coat and yesterday it was rainy and FREEZING.  My day was dragging at work, and I decided that when I got home I was going to make a nice a filling soup that I have been dying to try.  I typically don't like soups/chowders with corn so I was a little hesitant, but it gave the chowder an awesome taste.  The recipe may not look like it makes a lot but trust me it make PLENTY.  This was a nice and filling soup, and perfect for a cold and rainy day.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 4-5 people
Cost- 15 dollars

Ingredients

• 5 slice of maple bacon, diced (the maple bacon gives the chowder a great taste!)
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tablespoons of onion powder
• 1 bag of frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon of parsley
• 2.5 tablespoons of flour
• 3.5 cups of whole milk
• 2 russet potatoes, cut in bite size pieces
• 1 8 oz.package of honey ham, cut into bite size piece (again the honey ham really adds a great taste)
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Directions

1. In a large pot, add your butter and garlic and cook till butter is melted
2. Add your corn, onion powder and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 3 minutes
3. Add your flour, and cook until flour is soaked up.
4. Add your milk and whisk until thickened (this may take anywhere from 3-10 minutes)
5. Add your potatoes, and bring your mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce your heat and let mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes.  ( Make sure your potatoes are soft, you may need to let mixture simmer longer if not)
7. While your mixture is simmering add your bacon to a pan and cook till crispy.  Once crispy remove and place on a plate to drain excess grease.
8. Once your potatoes are soft add your ham and cook for another 5 minutes
9. Top with your bacon, and enjoy!

Final Product