Garden Harvest Chowder

This is by far my favourite soup. I do alter it a bit pretty much every time I make it, however. I'm going to share the original recipe with you, then I'll tell you more about the altering. ;)

Garden Harvest Chowder

1/4 lb bacon, finely chopped
1/2 c celery, chopped
1/2 c onion, chopped
1/2 c carrot, peeled and thinly sliced (I chop mine into bite sized pieces, rather than slicing)
1 1/2 c water
1/2 c frozen peas
2 c mashed potatoes (be sure they are peeled)
16 oz can cream corn
2 c milk
1 1/2 c grated cheese

Fry bacon, clery, onion and carrots in a saucepan until bacon is semi-crisp and vegetables are tender. Add water and peas, cook 15 minutes over medium heat until peas are tender. Add remaining ingredients, except cheese. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add cheese, stirring until melted, but not boiling.

Ok, there is your basic recipe. It's delicious just as it is. But, since I can never leave well enough alone, and I really do love to cook, I change it just about every time I make it. Honestly, it depends on what I have in the fridge.

Tonight we are having this soup with ham, rather than bacon. I added carrots, peas onions and broccoli.

Really, it's up to you. This soup is a great way to use up veggies that are in your fridge. It's also a fantastic way to get your kids to eat veggies. My son isn't the biggest fan of veggies, but this recipe has him gobbling up everything in his bowl.

It's also delicious with warm, homemade bread. Perfect for a chilly winters day.

Enjoy!