Creamed Corn Soup

This is one of those oral recipes that my grandmother gave me. She said her husband told her how to make it, so I assume it's one his mother use to make (because he certainly doesn't cook!). His family has been in Vermont since the 1800's, so I like to think it's been in the family for generations. It's not a written down recipe, it's one that you keep in your head. When I made it the other day, I did not measure specific amounts, that is part of the beauty of this recipe. It is delicious and my husband and 3 year old loved it.

Read the directions through a couple of times so you get the feel for the rhythm of the cooking process before beginning.

Creamed Corn Soup

6-8 oz bacon or salt pork

about 1/4 cup chopped onion

2-3 celery stalks chopped

3 small potatoes, cut into small cubes

1 can creamed corn

milk

salt and pepper to taste

Cook bacon over medium high heat until done but not crisp. Add the onion and celery before the bacon is finished so they cook for 5-7 minutes (add when the bacon is half done). Add the cream corn and potatoes. Gradually add the milk until it is the right consistency. (It should be soupy, not thick) The wonderful thing about the recipe is that you get to keep tasting the soup until it tastes perfect! Add salt and pepper. I gradually added a fare amount of both because I did not want my soup to taste sweet (the cream corn has a sweet flavor). Remember to stir constantly so the milk does not scald. Your arm will be tired by the time you are done but it is SO worth it! When the milk begins to bubble turn off the heat, you do not want it to boil. You can also tell when it's done by the potatoes. When they are soft enough you can turn off the heat and serve.

Sorry, there is no set amount of time to how long this takes. It is one of those recipes that really teaches you to love cooking and you should not worry about how long it is taking you. Pretend you are a colonial woman cooking over an open fire, with no clock and realize that the soup will be done when it is done.

Enjoy!