Smoky Corn and Potato Chowder Recipe

isn't he a dreamboat?

I attempted my first ever crazy yummy tamale pie the other day, but when opening a can of corn, I accidentally opened a can of creamed corn. Yuck, how did it even get in my pantry?!

So, I thought, "Hmmm what do I DO with this?" Then, I brilliantly looked at the back of the can and there was a recipe for Smoky Corn and Potato Chowder (more Del Monte recipes here). I figured, "What the hey, I'll give it a try". Honestly, I had my reservations, so I added onions, salt/pepper and used fresh potatoes instead of canned.

It is probably one of the best things I made in a long time, plus it's easy and most ingredients you probably have on hand. Even my kids gobbled it up. Really, it's perfect for the chilly weather, since it's a nice, warm, flavorful, hearty bowl of soup with a perfect blend of texture. Next time I make it, I'm doubling the batch. I wonder how well it will freeze?

yummy topped on Ritz crackers

♥ Ingredients ♥ 

-1 1/2 c milk
-1 can Del Monte Cream Style Golden Sweet Corn

-1 can Del Monte Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, drained
-1 c smoked sausage, halved and thinly sliced (or cubed cooked ham)
-1/2 small onion, chopped (about the size of a corn kernel)
-7 peeled, coarsely chopped potatoes, boiled until tender and drained
(or 1 can Del Monte Whole New Potatoes)
-salt and pepper to taste (white pepper if you want to avoid black flakes)
-1 1/2 c shredded smoked cheddar (or swiss or gouda cheese)
-chopped chives or green onion slivers for garnish

♥ Directions ♥

1. lightly sear sausage in large, sprayed saucepan
2. stir in milk, and cream corn
3. add whole kernel corn, onion and potatoes
4. heat through, stirring occasionally, add salt and pepper.
5. stir in cheese until melted
6. garnish with green onion slivers or chives and serve (I didn't have these, so used Mrs. Dash or something)

time for seconds

*Shared with recipe link up at Remodelholic. Check here for lots of other tasty recipes!*

Easy Tomato Soup Recipe

Mccalls Magazine Homemaking Cover, 1939, Nickolas Muray

It' been a little stormy here, and in weather like that, I love tomato soup. I have a few fancy and delicious  recipes that require a bit of work, but a nice simple recipe is always good too (especially when you need to go to the store and are out of all fresh ingredients!)

1 can Campell's Tomato Soup
1 TB butter
1 1/2 c water (or milk or heavy whipping cream for creaminess)
dried basil (use fresh if you have it)
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Serve with crackers and shredded cheese. A toasty grilled cheese sandwich and pickles make a perfect side.
How do you make your soup? Sour cream and chives? Crumbled crackers? Homemade from scratch? Do you like it smooth, or prefer it with lots of texture?