Mushroom Chowder

I love a good chowder whether it’s clam chowder, seafood chowder or corn chowder, but I have never come across mushroom chowder. I decided to make up my own version last month, and it came out so well I wanted to share it with all my foodie friends out there. If you like you could even throw in some cooked sausage and this would be stout enough to be a meal. Feel free to use your favorite mushrooms or even mix and match. Enjoy!

ingredients

Mushroom Chowder  2 medium sized russet potatoes, or 4 small red potatoes cut into 1 inch pieces, about 2 cups3-4 cups water, enough to cover potatoes3 tablespoons garlic infused olive oil, or plain olive oil2/3 cup diced yellow onion1 1/4 cups celery cut into 1/2 inch slices4 cups Maitake mushrooms cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces, or use quartered Crimini mushrooms3/4 cup carrots cut lengthwise and then into 1/2 inch pieces3 tablespoons flour1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper2 teaspoons chicken base or chicken bullion cubes1 teaspoon Spike Seasoning Salt3 cups water1 cup half and half1/4 teaspoon dried thyme1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, optional Start by cooking potatoes in 3-4 cups of water in a 2 quart pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat until potatoes are cooked but not too soft. About 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.Saute onions, and celery in 3 tablespoons of garlic infused oil for 3 minutes on medium high heat stirring often. Add mushrooms and carrots reducing heat to medium stirring often. Cook until most of the liquid is cooked out of mushrooms. Add the flour and cook on low heat for 5 minutes stirring often.Add 3 cups water, chicken base, Spike, thyme pepper and half and half. Turn heat up to medium and stir constantly until flour has blended with liquids, about 3-5 minutes. Add potatoes and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the soup starts to simmer. Add salt and pepper if needed. Top with parsley and serve. Serves four. Note: A cup of frozen peas or corn, cooked and set aside can be added after the water and half and half.