Summer Fresh Corn Zucchini Chowder

Suggested Piece: 7 Qt. Roaster

Ingredients
4 strips bacon, chopped
2 c yellow onion, #2 or #3 cone
4 celery stalks, #2 cone
2 med carrots, #1 or #2 cone
4 garlic cloves, #1 cone
1 tsp. dried thyme
4 med potatoes, #3 cone
8 c. chicken or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
5 1/2 c. frozen corn
2 med zucchini, #2 or #3 cone
2 c. half & half
Salt & pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
Cayenne pepper, to serve (opt.)

Directions
In bottom of 7 Qt. Roaster over medium heat add bacon and cook until brown (3-4 minutes). Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and thyme; cook until vegetables begin to soften (5 minutes). Add potatoes, broth, bay leaves, zucchini, and corn; season with salt & pepper to taste. Cover and cook over medium heat until Vapo-Valve clicks, then reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 15 minutes or until vegetables are completely tender. Discard bay leaves and transfer 4 cups of chowder to a blender; puree until smooth. Stir the mixture back into the 7 Qt. Roaster. Add half & half, cover and cook just until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle fo cayenne pepper (opt.)