Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder

I don't know how the weather has been where you live, but here in Kansas it has been very cold. We didn't get the significant sleet and snow that many areas south and east received and I've been a little envious, of the snowfall part.  I love snow and figure that if it is going to be this cold, snow is in order.

As much as I like winter and snow, it requires a nice hot soup to warm  up after being outside.  I tried this recipe over the weekend and it was tasty!  So when you are in need of a nice hot soup to warm you up from the inside out, give this a try.

Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder

Serves 6

Ingredients:

8 slices of center-cut bacon, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 dashes cayenne pepper
4 cups shredded cauliflower (1/2 of a large head)
2 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup used for garnish)

Directions:

Whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of chicken broth and set aside.

In a heavy bottom soup pot, saute the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Remove the bacon from the hot fat with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain.
Pour off all but 1 Tablespoon of the pan drippings.
Add the chopped onion and celery.  Saute 3-4 minutes until tender.

Add the grated cauliflower to the pot and stir.  Add the 2 Tablespoons of water and cover to steam the cauliflower.  This should take about 5 minutes.  Stir a couple of times during the steaming.
Next add the remaining chicken broth and milk to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Slowly whisk the flour/chicken broth mixture into the boiling soup.  Turn down the heat and simmer 3-5 minutes, or until the chowder has thickened.  Turn off the heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar.  Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 the bacon pieces, salt, pepper and cayenne and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

Serve topped with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles.

.....and that's What's Cooking at Cathy's ~ Enjoy!

Adapted from a recipe originally published by Iowa Girl Eats at http://iowagirleats.com