Cheesy Corn Chowder: Recipes + Menus : gourmet.com

Ingredients

• 6 bacon slices, finely chopped
• 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
• 3 large carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 3/4 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 3/4 pound sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 4 ears) or 1 1/2 pounds (24 ounces) frozen corn kernels (not thawed)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (3 cups)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil or parsley
• Finely chopped fresh chives or scallions (optional)
• Paprika (optional)