Another recipe

My friend Tracy (who has a chapter in my book) sent me a delicious-looking recipe from "Real Simple" - one that, joy of joys, also uses half and half. In the winter, you really can't have too much half and half.

Again, I recommend the following:

1. Don sweatpants. In my case, I add "Socks To Stay Home In," which I mentioned that my mother gives me as a present every Christmas - fluffy, synthetic socks in 'fun' colors like hot pink. I warn my mother that the longer I slop around in Socks to Stay Home In, the less likely she is to have grandchildren from me, as the Socks are not exactly the most alluring look (my husband shakes his head sadly when he sees them.) But she continues to give them to me every year.

2. Make chowder and eat in front of the television, vowing that tomorrow, you will positively eat at the dining room table, where you will have a edifying conversation about politics and culture.

3. Announce at 9 p.m. "I'm just going to close my eyes for a minute."

Smoky Corn Chowder

Serves 6

8 oz. sliced bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large sweet onion, diced
2 cloves finely minced garlic
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 10oz. pkgs. frozen corn
3-4 c. chicken broth
1 c. light cream or half&half
kosher salt & pepper to taste
4 scallions, minced

**I added one leftover rotisserie chicken breast (shredded) for a heartier soup. If you do this, you will definitely need 4c. broth

Cook bacon in Dutch oven until crisp. Drain w/ slotted spoon. Remove all but 2 TBSP bacon drippings. To drippings over medium heat, add onions and cook about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, pepper flakes and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add corn, broth and cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove 1/2 of soup to blender and puree. Return to soup pot and add chicken (if you desire), scallions an bacon. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Comments

[Erica Matusita]

Hi Jancee, I'm written from Brazil, and I just already to read your book and I loved.
You are a wonderful writer and a great inspiration for all the people that sometime have to decide the next step of life in our family relationship, or in our private life, or in a big work challenge.
Thank you for your funny, honesty and touching book and I'm sorry for my terrible english.
Kiss,
Erica

[KA]

I made this chowder for dinner and it was like liquid gold. Seriously to die for. Thanks.

[Joyce Sciusco]

OMG I have to try this---mmmm.

My sister had sent me your book after she finished reading it. Usually I immediately shit-can any books she gives me ore suggests, but this looked good. The photo on the front was like 99% of the girls in my high school year book. Made me nostalgic for the big haired days on Long Island. Ah but you were a Jersey girl- eh close enough. Best read I had in a long time - read it in about 24 hours. Great laughs.