Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

Directions:

1. Now, let’s begin by placing all your fresh corn kernels, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into your slow cooker.

2. Gently nestle the cubed potatoes on top, and pour in the broth — chicken or vegetable, whichever you have on hand or prefer.

3. Sprinkle in that dried thyme, add the bay leaf, and season with good pinches of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.

4. Now, cover with the lid, and let’s set our slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, on high for 3-4 hours. Just until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have married like a well-tended marriage.

5. Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf, and let’s grab that trusty immersion blender. Give it a few pulses right there in the pot to thicken it up a bit, but we still want lots of chunky bits. If you haven’t got an immersion blender, don’t you worry – mashing some of the potatoes with a fork will do just the trick.

6. Stir in the butter and cream for that final richness, then give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Serve it hot, with those optional garnishes if you fancy – crispy bacon or ham, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chives. Just divine!

Variations & Tips:

– If you’re looking out for your waistline or just prefer things a little lighter, feel free to replace the cream with milk or an alternative milk choice, like almond or oat.

– No fresh corn? Frozen corn is absolutely alright – about 3 cups should do it. And for a hint of smoky sweetness, throw in a bit of fire-roasted corn if you can find it.

– Make it a vegetarian chowder by using vegetable broth and skipping the bacon or ham. It’s still just as comforting.

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently; you may need to add a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.

Now, there you have it, a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that speaks of home, heart, and the rich soil of our beautiful land. I hope it brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it has to mine. Enjoy, dear friends!