August 11, 2014

Corn and Cheddar Chowder

Summer corn is in season! Try this delicious soup that highlights corn.


Corn and Cheddar Chowder
adapted from Family Bites

1 lb new potatoes, diced and unpeeled
3 cups water
6-7 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 large yellow onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
4 cups of corn, scraped from 6-7 ears of corn
3 green onions
1 cup milk
1/3 cup cream
1 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 grinds fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

Clean the potatoes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a soup pot and cover with the water, fresh thyme and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Chop the onion. In a medium saucepan, heat butter and olive oil and add onion, sauteeing until translucent and slightly browned. While the onion cooks, remove the corn from the ears and set aside. Slice the green onions, ends removed, and set aside.

Once the onions have cooked add them to the potatoes. Also add the corn, green onions, milk, cream and stock. Bring to a boil and allow to bubble for 7-8 minutes. Add the cumin, paprika and pepper and stir well. Lower the heat and add the cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Serve and enjoy.

Jamaican Pork Tenderloin

This pork tenderloin recipe comes together so quickly but has great flavor without marinating.

Jamaican Pork Tenderloin
adapted from Joshua Trent

2 lb pork tenderloin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons brown sugar, coconut palm sugar, or sucanat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoon honey


Preheat oven to 425°F.

In a bowl, combine the spice rub ingredients.

Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Tenderloins don't always come trussed, so if you have two pieces, tie them together lengthwise using kitchen string in about 5 or 6 sections.

Rub spice mixture over tenderloin and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

Sear tenderloin in a large oven-safe skillet set on medium-high heat, about 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned. While searing, mix the honey, tomato paste and vinegar in a small bowl. When ready for the oven, brush mixture on top of the meat.

Place the tenderloin, still in the skillet, in the oven. Cook until a probe thermometer reaches 140-145°F, about 15-20 minutes.

Remove from oven and let rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Remove string and slice into 1/2 inch slices.