HAM AND POTATO CORN CHOWDER

Ingredients
8 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup diced green pepper
3 cups cubed peeled potatoes (about 3 medium)
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups whole milk, divided
4 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, divided
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional

Directions
In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towel to drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan. Saute the onion, celery and green pepper in drippings for 5 minutes. Add potatoes and broth. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Place 1/2 cup milk and 2 cups corn in a blender; cover and process until pureed. Pour into saucepan. Add ham and remaining corn; simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the butter, parsley, salt, pepper, pepper sauce if desired and remaining milk; heat through. Garnish with bacon.

Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 293 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 918mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.