maria's summer corn chowder

maria's famous summer corn chowder

(it has to have maria's name in the title because when i make this soup from the recipe she gave me, it takes me back in my mind through a slurry of memories... i think she is the only friend that waltzed around owning the world with me for a time (like ages 12-17, that time of life when you are oh so clever) so she can own the title of this soup because we held the world in our hands during our teenage years. it makes me happy to think about how we had the greatest ideas and the greatest time doing everything we did. so here is to locker decorating, dressing up in disguises, country seminary devotionals, 2am wardrobe swaps, being excused excessively from class for important matters, hyrum driving in the SD truck, and all the other good innocent fun had. no exceptions, this just has to be her soup).

6 ears fresh sweet corn
6 c chicken or veg broth
2 cloves garlic peeled only
1 russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2" diced cubes
2 c milk
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 lb slab bacon, cut into 1/4" pieces
4 med ripe tomatoes diced
1/2 c slivered fresh basil

strip corn from cobs, set aside
simmer cobs, broth, and garlic in pot partially covered for 10 mins
discard cobs and garlic, stir in potatoes and 1/2 reserved corn
simmer partially covered until potatoes are tender 10-12 min
puree--transfer to a bowl--stir in milk, salt and pepper
cooko bacon in pot over low heat to render the fat (about 6 min)
add onion--cook for 10 mins
add reserved soup and remaining corn, simmer for 8 min
when ready to serve, stir in tomatoes and basil

we loved the combination of fresh tomatoes and basil in this soup. thanks for sharing maria.