" CHICKEN and CORN CHOWDER "

• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 6 cups reduced-sodium or homemade chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (from a 2 1/2- to 3-lb. roasted chicken)
• 3 cups corn, frozen or kernels cut from 3 ears corn
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped
• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon until fat renders and meat starts to brown. Add onion, reduce heat to medium, and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, until flour smells cooked (you should get a whiff of baked piecrust) but hasn't started to brown, about 3 minutes.

2. Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to keep mixture simmering and cook until potatoes are barely tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and corn and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream to taste. Heat through, about 2 minutes. Serve in soup bowls, garnished with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, a squirt or two of lime juice, and pepper to taste.

Yields: 6 servings