Corn Chowder

I have to admit, when I pulled this recipe to make for my lunch, all I could think about was the scene in The Devil Wears Prada where Anne Hathaway's character is getting a ton of shit about eating corn chowder for lunch because one of the main ingredients is lard or something silly.  However, this recipe contains no lard.  :]  In fact, it's actually pretty healthy & delicious!

Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens
Yields 5 servings
274 calories per serving

INGREDIENTS

1/2 c chopped onion

3 c corn

1/2 c chopped celery

1 tbsp cooking oil

14.5 oz chicken broth

1 potato, peeled & cubed

1 c skim milk

4 tsp flour

1/8 tsp pepper

Dash ground red pepper

1/2 c ham, diced

1/2 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

Place 1 3/4 c corn in food processor & process until smooth.

Set aside.

In a large saucepan, cook onion & celery in hot oil until onion is tender but not brown.

Stir in chicken broth & potato.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, & simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in the corn puree & remaining corn.

Cook uncovered for 10 more minutes.

In a small bowl, combine milk, flour, pepper, & ground red pepper.

Stir into corn mixture.

Cook & stir for one minute.

Stir in ham & cheese and cook until cheese has melted.