Chowder

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, diced well Most of a head of celery (1.5 cups or so), diced small, do this well 1 tsp salt One large carrot, diced small 1 bell pepper, diced 3 cups diced potatoes (4 small, 2 large), dice small 3 cups water (no more!, maybe a smidge less for a thicker chowder) 1 tsp dried thyme 1 lb frozen corn (one package usually) 1 cup milk (almond or oat works fine) 3-4 oz cream cheese, plain 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or similar) Black pepper and salt to taste Optional, 2 tsp chopped fresh dill Saltines (to crumble and add in) Instructions Heat oil and cook onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and salt until soft. Add potatoes, water and thyme. Bring to simmer and cook ~5 minutes. Add corn and thyme, simmer and cook another ~5 minutes until all veggies are tender Keep simmering. Meanwhile, add two cups of soup into a blender along with milk, cream cheese, shredded cheese. Whirl until smooth Pour puree back into pot and bring back to temperature gently Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add dill. Serve with saltines or crackers Notes Do not shortchange cooking times, more if anything Don’t add too much water Crackers are key to making it a 10. By itself maybe an 8 or 9

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil or butter 1 large onion, diced well Most of a head of celery (1.5 cups or so), diced small, do this well 1 tsp salt One large carrot, diced small 1 medium zucchini, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 4 cups diced potatoes (gold potatoes best), diced small 1 cup water 16 oz clam juice (can come in 16 or 8 oz bottles) 0.5 cup dry white wine Black pepper to taste 1 tbsp fresh dill 2 lbs thawed, cut to bite size, white/firm fish fillets 4 oz cream cheese, plain 1 cup milk, almond or oat is fine 1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined Saltines (to crumble and add in), these really make it good Instructions Warm oil or butter in large soup pot on medium heat. Add onion and salt, cook 5 minutes covered. Add carrots and celery, cook 5 more minutes covered. Add zucchini and bell pepper, cook another 5 minutes covered Add potatoes, clam juice, water, and wine. Simmer covered for 10 minutes at least (more is OK) Add black pepper, dill, and fish. Simmer covered for 5-10 minutes While fish cooks, puree in blender cup of hot soup, milk and cream cheese. Add back to mixture AFTER step 3 Add shrimp and simmer another few minutes until shrimp are cooked Serve with saltines