Smoked Corn Chowder

The ultimate comfort food on a crisp fall day or a snowy winter weekend.

4 ears sweet corn, husks and silk removed
3 slices bacon, minced
1 cup chopped onions
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup flour
5 cups chicken stock
2 large potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 bay leaf
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Prepare charcoal or gas grill or traditional smoker for Indirect smoking on Low Heat (follow instructions in owner’s manual). Use one layer charcoal for smoker and place food on top grate. For best results for this recipe, use hickory or mesquite wood chips or chunks.

Place corn on cooking grate of fully smoking grill or smoker. Smoke 1 to 1-1/2 hours over charcoal or 20 minutes over gas. Remove corn; allow to cool. Cut corn kernels from the cob with a sharp knife.

In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over low heat until crisp. Add onions and cook 2 minutes or until transparent. Add green and red peppers and continue to cook for 6 minutes, until peppers are tender. Add flour. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. Add chicken stock gradually, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add smoked corn kernels, potatoes, and bay leaf; simmer 20 minutes.

Add heavy cream, salt, Worcestershire sauce, white pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Return to a simmer for 1 minute.

Makes 10 servings