[make: Pureed Cayenne Corn & Bacon Chowder]

Ok ... today I am officially running around like a chicken with my head cut off. That doesn't mean I don't have a moment to blog, though *grin*.

We've been planning a birthday party for my mother for the last few months. But I have to be careful in spilling any details, as I know my mom checks this blog fairly often ... and SOME things have to be a surprise.

I love details. Colour palettes, menu cards, fonts. So every couple of hours or so, I get another idea - write it down, and try and finish it before bedtime. Some people think that details are a nuisance, a "why bother". For me, it's my love language. I'm not one of these people who see something in the store and think, "OH - that would be perfect for so-and-so." In fact, I'm pretty useless at that. Gift giving is not my love language *grin*. But details are.

So, I'm hoping that my mom will see all the details and see the love that's been put into her special day. Be sure to come back tomorrow - there'll be a ton of pics and stories to tell, I'm sure.

For today - I'm making her birthday cake. I've never made a "formal" cake before. And I am SO excited to give it a try. I made the fondant a couple of days ago and it's ready-to-go. I've been diagramming what I'd like to do ... so here's to hoping I don't screw it up *GRIN*. No time for mistakes!

But before I go, one reader asked for this recipe. Funny - it's out on my counter as it's what we're having for dinner tonight ... maybe you will too. It's my hubby's favourite.

Pureed Cayenne Corn & Bacon Chowder
I have altered this recipe from the original one given to me by my sister-in-law. I had it at her house when my hubby and I were dating. SO great ...

1/2 onion, finely chopped
5 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 med carrot, shredded (or grated)
2 tbsp flour
3 cups corn (canned or frozen)
2.5 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:

- saute onion, bacon. add celery until clear.
- add carrots & flour. Cook 3 minutes.
- gradually add corn. stir in milk gradually.
- for a SMOOTH soup (which is what I do), puree in blender at this point - before adding whipping cream as it will get frothy instead of smooth.
- return to pot
- cook on low heat, add whipping cream.
- add cayenne pepper and salt/pepper to taste.

Note: Sometimes I add more milk, depending on the final consistency. Just remember that it dilutes the "corn" taste when too much milk is added. Also - the cayenne pepper isn't everyone's liking ... add as little or as much as you like.

Enjoy!

(this has already been edited, as J told me I forgot the bacon *GRIN*. SEE??? It's "altered" and not in the recipe ... so, I took out the butter b/c of the bacon fat. AND I drain the fat after the veges have been cooked, before adding the flour. Thanks J!)