Lori’s Home Made Cheesy Corn Chowder

2 Slices Bacon chopped finely

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup diced carrots

¼ cup diced celery

1 potato, peeled and cut into ½” pieces

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups frozen or canned corn

1.5 cups fat free half & half

1 cup light cream (or milk)

3 T corn starch or flour

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

In heavy sauce pan cook bacon over med high heat, stirring occasionally so as not to burn.  Just before bacon totally browns add chopped onion and stir into the bacon and bacon grease.  Cook for 3 minutes until onion starts to soften.  Add chopped carrots and celery.  Cook for 3-4 minutes until carrots and celery start to soften.  Add potato, cook for 1 minute.  Add chicken or vegetable broth. Cook uncovered at a high simmer for 15 minutes…while broth reduces by 1/3.  Add corn and cook for 3 minutes.  Add fat free half and half and stir mixture.

Meanwhile, mix 1 cup of light cream (or milk) with 3 T corn starch or flour and stir/shake until there are no lumps. Cream (or milk) mixture will be slightly thickened.  Pour into simmering vegetables/broth until chowder is thickened.  Cook for 5 minutes at a simmer.  Add 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded.  Stir until melted.  Serve in a cup with fresh thick slices of French bread for a great Appetizer or in a bowl for a hearty Entrée.  Enjoy!