Broccoli, Potato, Corn Chowder

This is what I whipped up for dinner tonight and it was really quite good.  The idea for it was inspired by the fact that I had some fresh broccoli in the refrigerator.  That's often how I decide what I will cook - I look at what I have on hand, especially if it's something perishable, and figure out how to use it. 

Broccoli, Potato, Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks broccoli
• 4 or 5 medium potatoes
• 1/2 bag of frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 tbls. butter
• about a cup of milk/half and half/cream  (I used 1/2 & 1/2 and milk)
• seasonings to taste (I used garlic powder, sea salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.)
• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

Heat butter over med. high heat in Dutch oven.  When sizzling add onion and cook a minute or two.  Add peeled, diced raw potato and seasonings, stir for a minute and then add enough water to cover.  Simmer until potatoes are fork tender.

Meanwhile, chop broccoli and lightly steam. I did this in the microwave.  When potatoes are tender, add the steamed broccoli and 1/2 bag of frozen corn.  Continue to simmer gently.  Slowly add milk/cream/half and half while stirring constantly.  Check seasonings and add more if necessary.  It should be flavorful, not bland.  Lower heat and add about half of the grated cheese, stirring gently until melted and incorporated into the chowder.  Serve with more cheese sprinkled on top.  I served it with a tossed green salad and cornbread.

Notes:
I think some chopped red bell pepper would be a tasty and colorful addition.  Other toppings that would be tasty are crumbled bacon, sour cream and/or chopped green onions. You could decrease the calories by skipping the step of sautéing the onion in butter, using milk only and/or skipping the cheese - or leave it out of the soup and only put a little on top when serving it. 

We have another winter storm bearing down on us right now with an expected accumulation of 6-10 inches of snow.  Today was the first day I've been able to get out in my car since the storm last week.  I hadn't been out of the house since a week ago Sunday.  I went to the grocery store, returned a library book and dropped off the recycling.  It was rather nice to be out of the house for a couple of hours, especially since it appears I will be housebound again for a couple of days.  I don't mind staying home and I'm never bored but I'd sure like some warm sunshine for a change!