Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

7 ears corn, husked and silks removed
1 T. olive oil
2 T. butter
1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, cut  into 1" cubes
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. cumin
4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1" cubes, at room temperature
4 c. chicken stock
Salt and pepper

Cut the kernels off the ears of corn.  Scrape down the cob to release the juice from the corn.  
In a soup pot,  heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.  Add the potatoes, celery, peppers, garlic and cumin.  Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook until the vegetables soften, about 12 minutes.  Add the corn and the 4 c. chicken stock.  Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.  Stir in the cream cheese until melted.  Season with salt and pepper.

(If fresh corn isn't available, thaw frozen corn and chop it on a cutting board.  Then add 1/4 c. whole milk to the recipe.)