Seafood-Corn Chowder

Ingredients

Directions

• 3 cups vegetable stock (*or sub 4 cups of seafood stock, eliminate clam juice)
• 1 cup of clam juice
• 5 red potatoes (medium) diced
• 3 tbsp. bacon fat (*see notes below)
• 1 small onion – diced (or 2 large shallots)  
• 3 celery stalks – diced
• 1 large carrot – diced
• 3 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay (*See below for homemade)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• ¼ cup dry sherry
• 1 15-oz. can creamed corn
• 8 ounces cod cut into bite sized pieces
• 8 ounces medium shrimp raw, deveined and tails removed (size ~ 41-60/lb.)
• 10 ounces whole baby clams (drained)
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

• In a large stock pot, bring vegetable stock and clam juice to a simmer.
• Meanwhile peel and dice potatoes, then add to simmering stock. Cook until fork tender (about 20 minutes). Remove approximately ½ the potatoes and set aside. Allow the stock with remaining potatoes to rest.
• While the potatoes are cooking, heat the bacon fat in a large pan on medium heat, and add the celery, carrots and onions, and cook until soft (about 5-6 minutes).
• Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, making sure not to burn it.
• Add the Old Bay, Thyme and Bay Leaves, and stir to incorporate.
• Deglaze pan with ¼ cup of Sherry, and reduce heat to low. Allow to rest while attending to the stock and potatoes.
• Once the stock and potatoes are at a manageable temperature, use an immersion blender to puree (you can also use a blender or food processor).
• If the puree is too thick, blend in additional stock to desired consistency, and then bring pot up to medium heat.
• Add vegetables and seasonings from the pan to the stock pot, as well as the creamed corn, diced potatoes, and cod. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add shrimp and simmer for another 3 minutes.
• Stir in the cream and clams and let heat through for a minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: Add a splash of Sherry (or have it available for those who enjoy the added flavor).