Oyster Chowder with Bacon, Corn, and Fennel | Saveur

Ingredients

• 1 trimmed medium fennel bulb, outermost layer peeled and discarded
• 3 thick slices bacon (5 oz.)
• 1⁄2 large yellow onion, finely chopped (½ cup)
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped (½ cup)
• 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced into 1/3-inch cubes
• 2 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (2 tsp.)
• 3⁄4 cup dry white wine
• 1⁄2 cup fresh oyster brine or bottled clam juice
• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
• 1⁄2 cup whole milk
• 1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Corn from 1 fresh cob (about ⅔ cup)
• 18 medium, briny oysters, shucked
• Dill or fennel fronds, for garnish
• Oyster crackers or crusty bread