The holidays have begun....

So, it's just now December, and already I've fallen behind in my holiday goals. Nothing like the season to make one feel socially inadequate.

Ah well. My kids at least are still of an age where they forgive me my foibles and love unconditionally. The teen years scare the pee-jeezies out of me though. Lets just not think about it yet.

So, as I try to catch up, I realized that I had not blogged lately, so sorry, and here I am. I've been planning on posting a yummy corn-chowder recipe, so here it is:

Jens Corn-Potato Spice-Up-the-Holidays Chowder

2 slices precooked ham, finely diced
2 onions finely chopped
1 red pepper finely diced
2 ribs celery finely diced
1 anaheim pepper, finely diced
3 white potatoes diced
2 cans (11 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, fire roasted
1 can (15 oz)Great Northern beans, drained & rinsed
2 tbl fine yellow cornmeal
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried rosemary
5 cups chicken stock (Kitchen Basics Brand or other gluten free brand)
1 cup cream

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the ham and cook until browned. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, potatoes & anaheim pepper to skillet until the onions are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Add the corn, tomatoes & beans.

Add the cornmeal, salt , pepper, cumin, oregano, & rosemary to the skillet & cook for 30 seconds over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add the broth and heat to boiling, stirring often. Continue boiling until thickened, stirring constantly. Pour into slow cooker. Cover the cooker and cook for 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low, until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the cream and heat through. Serve with sour cream and hearty bread (I recommend Pamelas Wheat Free bread mix with your own herbs added).

Well, enjoy this yummy chowder and let me know what you think. If nothing else gets accomplished this holiday season, you can at least have some great homemade soup and plan for next year.