Quick Clam and Corn Chowder

It was one of those nights where I used what I had in the fridge and cupboard and it turned out really good!  Since a young and busy professional like me can ever have enough 30 minute meals I thought I would share it.

Quick Clam and Corn Chowder

Ingredients 

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4 strips of bacon, diced
• clam juice, 8 oz container
• 3 TBSP flour
• corn, 12 oz can (leave a little aside to garnish)
• canned clams, 12 oz can (in water or salt water...not oil)
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup of instant powdered potatoes
• 2 cups fat free half and half
• salt and pepper to taste
• top with parsley and a sprinkle of corn

Directions

1. Fry the bacon on medium high in a large soup pot.  As it starts sizzling add the onions to the pan until they are clear and fragrant, not burning the bacon.
2. Turn stove top down to medium low.  Add the clam juice and milk.  Gradually whisk in the flour when the mixture is warm.
3. Add canned clams and juice from the can as well as corn and juice from the corn.
4. Gradually add and stir in instant powdered potatoes.
5. Turn stove top to simmer or low.  Add half and half, stir, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and corn bits.  Serve with clam chowder crackers or a hearty/artisan bread.  Would also be phenomenal in a bread bowl (can be purchased from Panera I believe).

Thoughts:  At the last minute grab I grabbed the instant potatoes and it seemed to really add a lot to the texture and flavor.  The fact of the matter is that I didn't have potatoes on hand (naughty) and didn't have time to simmer them so it ended up working out for the better.