Easy Ham and Corn Chowder

I am not a fan of corn chowder, actually I'm not a fan of corn period, however my husband and son love corn. Seeing that the temperature keeps dropping here in New England I think that now would be the perfect time to make them a hearty chowder.

By the way this recipe also works wonderfully in the crock-pot.

Not that chowders are meant to be lite but this is my version of a "healthier" ham and corn chowder. Yields about 8 servings
Nutrients per serving (1 cup) Cal 210, Fat 4g, Saturated fat 1g Cabs 34g, Protein 11g,

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

2 medium unpeeled red potatoes
1 cup cubed cooked ham steak with all fat removed
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery
1 teaspoon of butter
2 tablespoons of AP flour
14 ounces of homemade chicken broth (if you don't make your own you can use one can of store bought chicken broth)
1 can of fat-free evaporated milk
1 can creamed corn
1 cup of frozen corn
2 tablespoons chopped chives
salt and pepper to taste
cooked crumbled bacon

Directions:

Cut potatoes and ham into 1/2 inch cubes and set aside. Dice bell pepper and chop celery. Heat butter in saucepan over medium heat, add bell pepper and celery cook for about 3 minutes until veggies are crisp and tender. Stir in flour heat until bubbly. Add broth, evaporated milk and creamed corn until blended.

On a slide grilled I like to cook cubed ham until they are crispy.

Add potatoes and bring to a boil, reduce heat and add frozen corn. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes (potatoes should be tender). stir in ham, heat thoroughly. Remove from heat stir in chives and season with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls and top with bacon.