Corn Chowder W/Fresh Herbs, Potatoes and Smoked Ham

• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 12 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh tarragon
• 2 (16 ounce) canswhole potatoes, drained
• 2 (16 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
• 12 cup half-and-half
• 2 canned pimientos, drained and diced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 12-2 cups diced smoked ham
• additional chopped parsley (to garnish)

1. In large (3-quart or so) saucepan,combine broth, onion and carrots.
2. Tie together bay leaf and fresh herbs to make a bouquet garni.
3. Add to saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
4. Remove herbs.
5. Remove pan from heat.
6. Dice canned potatoes *reserving 1 cup.
7. Set 1 cup's worth aside.
8. Put rest of potatoes and 1 can of corn in the blender.
9. Blend til smooth, add to saucepan.
10. (*You can also do this in the saucepan instead of the blender with a Magic Wand hand mixer.
11. ).
12. Return pan to heat (about medium), and add the rest of the potatoes (the 1 cup you reserved), the second can of corn, the half and half and the diced ham.
13. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
14. Stir in pimientos and parsley.
15. Season with a little pepper or hot sauce if desired, to taste.
16. Taste for saltiness, add salt only if needed.
17. *Ham can be very salty so be careful adding only a little at a time.
18. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley.
19. Serve with warm crusty bread or fresh baked cornbread and butter!

chicken broth, onion, carrot, bay leaf, thyme, tarragon, canswhole potatoes, whole kernel corn, pimientos, parsley, ham, parsley

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/corn-chowder-w-fresh-herbs-potatoes-and-smoked-ham-326381 (may not work)