Some Things Are Best in Bulk

This Cajun corn chowder is definitely one of them.

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That was made with love in my very own messy kitchen.  But for all other things desired in ample quantities?  For those we head to Costco.

At first I was skeptical.  How many things does it really make sense for two people living in a small townhouse to buy in bulk?  Well, quite a few actually.  We now have enough toilet paper to last until our 5th wedding anniversary (or until Courtney comes down with another case of Bali belly).   And a few dietary staples…

This four pound bag cost $6.99.  Even Trader Joe's can't compete with that; in fact a 12oz box cost $4.99!
This four pound bag of quinoa cost $6.99. Even Trader Joe’s can’t compete with that; in fact a 12oz box cost $4.99!
They're greeeeeatttt
They’re greeeeeatttt
Although I recommend the separate cans... unless you're making chickpea burgers for the whole block!
Although I recommend the separate cans… unless you’re making chickpea burgers for the whole block!

Even Jim & Lila add a few things to the list….

We'll take an extra extra large bag of dog food please!
We’ll take an extra extra large bag of dog food please!
And of course corn to make this delightful corn chowder.
And of course corn to make this delightful corn chowder.

That brings us back to the corn chowder.  Which is really much more worthy of our attention than corn flakes… or Bali belly.

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Just look at it.  It’s rich and creamy, while only using a little bit of cream.  And between the Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage it has a fabulous kick.  Although I made a big ol’ batch, I’m quite confident it won’t last all that long.  Not in our house anyway!

Cajun Corn Chowder

Adapted from Jenna’s Everything Blog

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Ingredients

8 cups frozen or canned corn, thawed/rinsed
3 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
8 oz andouille sausage, chopped (I used Trader Joe’s andouille chicken sausage)
1 onion, chopped finely
1 red bell pepper, chopped finely
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes, cut in small cubes (about 1/2 inch)
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Avocado and shredded cheese, to garnish (optional)

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  1. Put half the corn and 2 cups of broth in a blender or food processor, and blend for about 10 seconds; set aside.
  2. Put the oil, sausage, onion and pepper in a large pot, and cook over medium high heat for about 8 minutes, until vegetables are soft and a little browned.
  3. Add the garlic and Cajun seasoning and stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Add the blended corn, the additional 1 ½ cups of broth, sweet potatoes and cream, and stir everything together. Simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Add in the remaining 4 cups of corn, season to taste and serve.  Garnish with avocado and cheese, if desired

Serves 6-8

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What items do you recommend buying in bulk?
What dishes do you make big batches of?

Johanna

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!Mi nina! !This is your grandmother (the one not in Spain) with some excellent grandmotherly advice!:
Stop all that running! It isn’t good for you! You’re working and cooking and blogging and socializing and you don’t have time for all that running running running! You’re putting stress on yourself and your beautiful body! I know, it’s addictive–and addictions aren’t helpful in life. Do something less–could I say obsessive? Take a dance class! Zumba! Long walks! With or without the dogs! No goal in sight! Turn around when you get tired! Go home and get into a nice hot tub! Sigh happily!
This goes for Courtney too!
My advice is based on nothing except intuition–and my intuition has never been infallible. Anyway, consider it.
I’m going to borrow Peter’s e-mail address and maybe I’ll figure out how to send this. With lots of love.

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