Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

As the crisp autumn air settles over the Chesapeake Bay, there’s nothing quite like savoring a warm bowl of Maryland Corn Chowder. This comforting dish not only celebrates the abundance of harvest but also reflects the heartiness and flavors that define the region’s culinary traditions. Join us on a journey through the steps of creating this wholesome and soul-soothing Maryland Corn Chowder, a perfect embodiment of the seasonal warmth that graces the state.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6–8 ears)
• 1 pound red potatoes, diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Husk and clean the fresh corn, then cut the kernels off the cobs. Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove some of the bacon bits for garnish, leaving a portion in the pot for flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables in the bacon drippings until they become tender and fragrant.
4. Make the Roux: Melt butter in the pot and stir in the flour, creating a roux. Cook for a few minutes until the roux develops a golden hue.
5. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
6. Incorporate Milk and Cream: Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the chowder simmer on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Introduce Corn and Seasonings: Add the fresh corn kernels to the pot. Season the chowder with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Adjust Consistency and Serve: If needed, adjust the chowder’s consistency by adding more milk or broth. Once the corn is tender, and the flavors are well-incorporated, ladle the Maryland Corn Chowder into bowls.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve the chowder hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for a complete autumn indulgence.

Maryland Corn Chowder is more than a soup; it’s a heartwarming embrace of the season’s bounty, a celebration of autumn’s richness in a bowl. Whether enjoyed by the fireside, as a family meal, or shared among friends, this chowder captures the essence of comfort and culinary heritage. So, let the warmth of the broth, the sweetness of fresh corn, and the savory notes of bacon envelop your senses. Indulge in the soul-soothing goodness of Maryland Corn Chowder, where every spoonful transports you to the heart of fall in the Chesapeake Bay region.