Hearty Homemade Cheddar Chowder

There's always time for homemade soup, especially when you make creative use of items that may already be in your pantry or refrigerator.

Cheddar Chowder Recipe
Green pepper and tomato lend contrasting color and flavor to this cheese chowder.

Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• Coarse salt, to taste
• 1 cup whole kernel corn
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 pound cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onion, and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in the flour, and cook, stirring, until it bubbles.
2. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly to incorporate each addition completely. Slowly add remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and the water while stirring.
3. Add green pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the corn and tomato, return soup to a simmer, and then remove from heat. Stir in half the cheese until it melts into the liquid, and then stir in remaining cheese. Serve at once.