Hearty Homemade Cheddar Chowder

Warm up chilly winter afternoons with a hearty Cheddar Chowder.

There's always time for homemade soup, especially when you make creative use of items that may already be in your pantry or refrigerator.

Cheddar Chowder Recipe

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

Green pepper and tomato lend contrasting color and flavor to this cheese chowder.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• Coarse salt, to taste
• 1 cup whole kernel corn
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 pound cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in the flour, and cook, stirring, until it bubbles.
2. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly to incorporate each addition completely. Slowly add remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and the water while stirring.
3. Add green pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the corn and tomato, return soup to a simmer, and then remove from heat. Stir in half the cheese until it melts into the liquid, and then stir in remaining cheese. Serve at once.