““Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day, and awakens and refines the appetite.” — Escoffiier”

The easiest party to hold this time of year is ‘The Soup Party’. Perfect weather - chilly and grey. Time for friends to get together and share a bowl or two of soup. Make them all or order a few from Viva Tastings to augment your creation. Here is one of my favourite soup recipes - it’s easy, give it a try.

PEPPERED CORN CHOWDER

One of my most favourite soups and so easy to make.

Ingredients / Mise en Place

2 tbsps. unsalted butter

1⁄2 cup of cooking onions, diced

1 cup leeks, diced or sliced *

1 tsp garlic, chopped

2 cups of fresh corn kernels (fresh if you can get it, however, the frozen sweet cernal corn will work)

1 1⁄2 cups of whole milk

1 cup of whipping cream

1 cup of chicken stock

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan and add the onions, leeks and garlic and a bit of salt.

2. Sauté over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Do not let it caramelize or colour.

3. Add the milk, cream, and corn kernels.

4. Bring to a boil and add the chicken stock. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the corn is tender.

5. Add Salt and pepper to taste

6. Serve hot

* NOTE: use white part only for the leeks.