Corn and Potato Chowder

Directions

1. Chop 2 slices of the bacon. Over medium-high heat, heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the sliced and chopped bacon and cook until crisp, turning slices occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes. Move sliced bacon to paper towel and set aside. Add onion, carrot and thyme to pan with the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels and garlic. Cook 4 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, scrub potatoes with vegetable brush under cold running water, cut into ½ -inch cubes. Add potatoes, broth, half-and-half and cream style corn to pan with onion mixture. Heat until simmering, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 14 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper. Carefully pour 2 cups of the potato mixture into blender and puree. Return puree to the pan and stir. Divide among 4 bowls. Crumble reserved 2 slices of bacon over each bowl.