Monday, June 22, 2015

corn & chicken chowder with lobster and crab toppers



Summer is officially here! Woohoo!

It was our six- and seven-year-old's last week of school, so we were quite busy with end-of-school year festivities, and I had several cookie and cake orders. So by the time the week was over, I welcomed the weekend . . . and first days of Summer . . . with open arms!

Our kids had a wonderful school year, and were blessed with amazing and caring Teachers. They're actually bummed that their school year is finished. And our four-year-old, well . . . she isn't happy that her older siblings will be home every day, as "they're just going to bother us." Too funny!

Perhaps they'll appreciate Summer break a little more once we have a chance to shift gears and begin enjoying lazy mornings, trips to the library, and many, many picnics to the park and beach.




In the spirit of Summer, I thought it would be fun to share this delicious Summer chowder with you.

I love its versatility!

In the Fall, I change up the ingredients and add sweet potatoes and purple potatoes with ham . . . and a pumpkin-shaped 'crouton' topper. Yum!





So what do you think of the lobster and crab toppers?!

I dreamt them up one night when I should've been sleeping. This creative mind LOVES the quiet of the night to dream up recipes and CREATE! If I only had the time of day to bring to fruition what I dream up at night  . . . I'd be a millionaire, lol.






Ok, back on track . . . Let's talk corn & chicken chowder!

I found Sweet Summer corn at our Farmer's Market 5 for $1.00, so we've been enjoying grilled corn on the cob . . . and this sweet corn & chicken chowder. You can also substitute the chicken with sauteed scallops, grilled blackened salmon, or grilled shrimp. All are delicious!

The creamy base is so fast and easy-to-prepare . . . and is a great compliment to the onions, red potatoes, sweet corn, and roasted chicken.

The lobster and crab toppers are made using cookie cutters and pie crust dough. I love using Trader Joe's PIE CRUSTS from their freezer section.  They're buttery and flaky . . . and a make for quick soup and chowder toppers.





I thought it would be festive to make lobster and crab shapes in honor of Summer.

I sprinkled half of them with Smoked Paprika for a reddish-hue, but also because I love the smoky flavor it gives the chowder.

You can break up the lobster or crab crouton over the top before eating, or break off pieces with your spoon as you're eating it. I think the buttery and salty flavor makes this chowder extra delicious!

Corn and chicken chowder paired with big wedges of sweet watermelon and a tall glass of lemonade makes for a delicious and festive Summer lunch or dinner!

Happy, Happy Summer!






corn & chicken chowder
.     .     .     .     .    .
5 ears of fresh corn or 3 cups frozen whole kernel corn
3/4 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
3/4 cup chopped green sweet pepper (optional)
1 Tablespoon olive oi
1-14 ounce can chicken broth
1 cup cubed RED or purple potato (1 medium), skin on
.     .     .     .     .    .
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme
1 cup half-and-half, light cream, or whole milk
1 1/4 cups chopped roasted chicken (about 6 ounces)
OR sauteed scallops, grilled blackened salmon, or grilled shrimp
.     .     .     .     .    .
3 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled or 2 tablespoons cooked bacon pieces
2 Tablespoons snipped fresh parsley (optional)
2 Tablespoons snipped fresh chives (optional)
.     .     .     .     .    .



Preparation
If using fresh corn, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cobs (you should have about 3 cups corn). Set corn aside.

In a large saucepan cook onion and sweet pepper in hot oil until onion is tender but not brown. Stir in chicken broth, potato, and corn. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

In a small bowl combine flour, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir milk into flour mixture; add to corn mixture in saucepan. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Add chopped chicken; cook and stir until heated through. 

If desired, garnish each serving with parsley, chives, and bacon. Enjoy!

Makes 6 servings (5 1/2 cups)






Another delicious corn recipe . . .



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Thank you so much for stopping by!
I love reading your comments and appreciate them so much!











15 comments:

  1. Yum! And the crab toppers are so cute!

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  2. Oh my gosh, the toppers are too stinkin cute. And your blog - it's different! The header changed! Love the nest.

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  3. Did you freehand the seafood toppers or is there a template or did you use a cookie cutter?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Teddee!
      I used a lobster and crab cookie cutter from The Cookie Cutter Shop. I added a link to their shop in the post.
      Thanks for coming by!

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  4. Oooh la la!! You have a new summer "do". I like it -- but I also liked your other page. The chowder looks amazing and the fish toppers are adorable. Was this one of your creative ideas you thought up during the night?? Your pictures look amazing and the corn looks like it was just picked. How do you keep hungry little hands away from the delicious dishes?? Of course my problem wouldn't be little hands -- it would be me drooling over the shot. Have a wonderful day. Big Hugs!!

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  5. Those toppers! What a great touch-I love them! I've never had great success with a corn chowder recipe before, but this looks fresh, simple, and delicious, and I'm going to give it a try this summer. Little Lauren's comment was so funny-she must really like her mom time ;) Also, I love the new blog look! Fresh, classy, and totally you. Have a great day!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nicki!
      I hope you try this chowder recipe. It's so so easy!
      Lauren is slowly adjusting to the Summer changes, but still wishes her older siblings were at school. Lol
      I appreciate your kind comments about my recent blog changes. Thank you! It was time for a change . . . and I'm enjoying the updates :0)
      Hope you're having a great week,
      Suzanne

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  6. Love your new blog header and this chowder looks amazing! I love corn chowder and I went into Panera last night hoping they had brought theirs back for the summer but no dice. So I might have to break down and make my own. I'm sure it's more healthy that way!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marie!
      You'll love this chowder! And it takes less than 15 minutes to make, no joking!
      I've noticed that white corn is a bit more sweet :0) . . . and makes for a great chowder.
      I hope you're having a great Summer!
      Suzanne

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  7. Words can not express how amazing this is! Mouthwatering delicious! I love these recipes and your blog redesign! Awesome Suzanne! You are truly an inspiration! :-)
    Cathy@threekidsandafish{dot}com

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  8. Looks delicious and I love the crab and lobster biscuits on top!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  9. I love the crab and lobster toppers, the chowder sounds so delicious too! Thanks so much for sharing at What'd You Do This Weekend?!

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  10. I will be making this! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop . It's nice to see you sharing again. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

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  11. This is such a fun idea! You are giving me ideas...I make chowders fairly often, but never thought to dress it up in such a fun way! You always have such creative ideas, Suzanne!! Pinning and sharing!

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  12. Too stinkin' cute! We LOVE corn chowder ... and I usually throw in diced chilis ... and because I'm from Nebraska I think I'll use my Nebraska state shaped cookie cutter ... or my Husker "N" cookie cutter ... or football shaped cookie cutter ... or ... on and on an on! The possibilities are ENDLESS and FUN! Thank you for this clever recipe!

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