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Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Howdy Chowder


Chowder, just the sound of that word conjures up feelings of bliss and happiness. I always associated the word chowder with clams when I was younger and clams were not the most abundant things in my little southern New Mexico town so chowders were exotic. Quite the opposite of chowders humble roots but what did I know.


"Chowder has its roots in the Latin word calderia, which originally meant a place for warming things, and later came to mean cooking pot. The word calderia also gave us cauldron, and in French became chaudiere. It is also thought to come from the old English word jowter (a fish peddler)."

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/images/oyster_cracker.jpg
You can read all about the history here. Chowder is typically a rich and creamy soup full of chunks of ingredients that almost make it like a stew. The ingredients usually include seafood, vegetables and cream. Traditionally made chowder has a base of bacon and is thickened up with crackers that have been broken into the base. Today, there are all kinds of variations using everything from seafood and poultry to just using vegetables. In the 1800's American cooks started to make the transition to using clams in their recipes - mostly because of the abundance of shell fish found in the New Colonies. Cooks began experimenting and adding cream to the chowders. They then began to differentiate different and unique types of chowder based on the ingredients used. Thus, other types of chowders appeared such as Corn Chowder or Sausage Bean Chowder or Beef Chowder. Therefore, Chowder doesn't always have to include seafood. It's believed that all kinds of vegetable or meat chowders came into existence because the cook was just using up whatever ingredients he or she had lying around the kitchen.


This is a nice and creamy squash, squash blossom and roasted corn and garlic chowder. Easy to make if you want the recipe you know what to do.

28 comments:

Tangled Noodle said...

This is one fine-looking summer chowder with squash blossoms and corn - mmmm!
I have that reaction to hearing 'chowder' (except that it sounds like Mayor Quimby from the Simpsons - 'chow-dah!'). For me, it's all about the creamy texture and I'm happy with whatever else is included - seafood, vegetables, etc. And I finally learned the difference between bisque and chowder!

Lea Ann said...

Thanks for all the chowder facts! Your soup looks delicious and fresh. I'd like the recipe.

momgateway said...

Love the simplicity of this creamy squash and corn chowder...

buffalodick said...

Chowder looks great, but that pot is what we call a bean pot around here!

The Blonde Duck said...

I love a good corn chowder.

Belinda @zomppa said...

Grew up with clam chowders and fish chowders. I really like this one and like you bring in influences from your childhood. Squash blossoms are a great use!

Angie's Recipes said...

The chowder looks delectable!

pigpigscorner said...

Wow, what a colourful chowder! It's like a summer chowder!

Gigabiting said...

I am chowdered out for the moment as I write from Maine, but once I get home, I will give it a try.

Anonymous said...

Excellent idea for summer recipe! I love the idea of veggie chowder. Did you use chicken stock as a base?

Marjie said...

It's a great looking chowder! I was probably 14 before I had clam chowder. I thought "corn chowder" was the only kind there was.

And your history lesson reminds me of Louise at Months of edible celebrations. Check her out (link on my page). I think you'll appreciate her writing!

Angel said...

"if i want the recipe" duh. you so funny dog!

snowelf said...

Banana looks way grown up in those Popsicle pics! my goodness...

I really really like corn chowder. You know me and vegetables, though, I don't know a veggie I don't like. I'm not a fan of the seafood so much. We had a guy who loved clam chowder so much at work that we changed his name to chowder and had a name plate made for him that said it!

--snow

Christo Gonzales said...

sno: you might be getting things jumbled - banana is grown up - she is an adult woman....

Sharon Rudd said...

Oh, yeah, chowder is such a great way to use summer corn. But with squash in the mix and especially squash blossoms, you betcha I'd love the recipe!

penny aka jeroxie said...

I can have this chowder with winter vege. Nice!

Juliana said...

Wow, your chowder sounds and looks summery...so colorful...nice pictures!

Jenn said...

I want me some chowder right now. It's been way too long since I've had a really good steaming bowl in front of me. It one thing I've been want to cook up for the past several months.

Vickie said...

Interesting to learn the chowder facts, thanks! I love that shot with the piquant little pepper - I want your recipe, please.

bunkycooks said...

Your chowder looks really yummy, so when will you share the recipe with us? The last time I had chowder (or shall I say chowda!) it included clams in Boston. ;)

Stacey Snacks said...

Love the photos, and would like a bowl of that chowder for lunch!

I always think of corn chowder, which I should make w/ fresh Jersey corn soon.
Stay cool.
Stace

Mo Diva said...

i am a big fan of the chowder, it looks selish! although right now im sweating and i want ice cream

tavolini said...

I want the recipe because I have squash coming out of my ears :)

For some odd reason, I always thought that "chowder" had to include corn and / or potatoes. That is odd.

I love the looks of that soup :)

Barbara said...

Love the chowder info! And the best ones to be had are in the northeast, for sure.
But your corn chowder looks delish and this is sure the time of year to be making it, heat or not.
So...how do I get the recipe, my dear?

Joanne said...

You have to say it chowdah if you're going to do it in typical New England style :P And being that I'm a semi-new Englander after my stint in MA...I might just have to whip up a bowl of this. Is breakfast too early to start eating it?

Velva said...

Chowders are creamy, soul-satisfying and delicious. Yours without a doubt looks fabulous.
I rarely make chowders but, never pass up an opportunity to enjoy them.

Jamie said...

This is a wonderful, flavorful looking chowder, perfect for summer. I grew up eating thick cream clam chowders in Florida seafood restaurants but I love the corn and squash blossoms in yours and it looks much lighter than I'm used to which is perfect for summer.

Magic of Spice said...

A beautiful summer chowder:)

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