Corn Chowder

This is definitely a family favorite!  This was created during one of those days I didn't know what to cook and decided that corn chowder sounded good so I just made it up and it was a big hit.

Recipe:

6 slices bacon
6 Tbs butter
1 med onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
¼ C flour
2 C water or chicken broth
1½ tsp chicken bouillon
2 C whole milk
1 C heavy cream
2 medium potatoes, small diced
1 can creamed corn
2 cans corn, drained
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp or more salt to taste
¼ tsp nutmeg, preferably fresh ground

Cook bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside. Cook onion, carrot, celery and garlic in bacon drippings and 4 Tbs butter for 2-3 minutes. Add flour to make light brown roux. Add broth, milk and potatoes. Cook until it boils, stirring constantly. Stir in corn, spices and cream. Cook until steaming and add last 2 Tbs of butter a chunk at a time while stirring to melt. Top with bacon.  Optional: add 1 lb brined, cooked (pan seared, boiled or baked) chicken chunks.