Smokey Corn Chowder
-Shuck 6 ears of corn.
-Cut the kernels off of each ear, by holding the ear from the top and carefully running a knife down the ear. Set the corn kernels aside.
-Make a quick stock by putting the empty corncobs and 2 cups of water in a pan together and bringing it to a gentle boil for 30 minutes or so.
-Chop 1 onion into small dice.
-Put 4 TBS butter or ghee in a saucepan over medium heat.
-Add the chopped onion and 3 cloves of chopped garlic and cook for about 5 minutes.
-Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to turn a little golden, about 7 minutes.
-Add 2 cups half and half, 2 cups milk and the reserved stock you made.
-Stir constantly until the soup thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
-Then stir in the reserved corn kernels and ½ tsp salt and bring the soup back to a boil.
-At this point you can also add about ½ cup of grated cheese; white cheddar or Parmesan would be nice.
-Cook stirring occasionally until the corn is tender and the soup is fully thickened, about 10 minutes.
-Melt 1 TBS butter in a small skillet until it foams and begins to brown a little.
-Stir in 1 tsp of Spanish smoked paprika and turn off the heat.
-Ladle the soup into bowls and ad a few drops of the red butter to each.