Do What You Want to Do, And Go Where You're Going To

Shrimp and Corn Chowder - Valentine's Day

The truth is I hate gooey stereotypical romance stuff but I always feel a little depressed on Valentine's day.   It doesn't make sense but I resent society's plastic definitions of love and passion.  Couples, straight, gay or otherwise generally bring a sneer.  Watching the young men walk down the street with their predictable dozen roses from the bodegas wrapped in that familar paper.  I just think we could all do a little bit better.  (P, if you're reading this....)  I have grown up a little so I keep my distorted facial grimaces to myself these days.  To me it's just another example of how no one thinks for themselves anymore and seems to be complacent just being told what to do, what to like, how to act, what to think.  It's Valentine's Day!  You get to be creative and show your mate that you appreciate them.  There are unlimited things you can do catered directly to them.

I made us a creamy shrimp and potato corn chowder with bacon replacing yogurt and almond milk for the cream.  This tasted special. Corn and potatoes, the crunchy bacon bits and the sweet shrimp.  This is a personal expression of love with effort.

Another rework of a recipe on Delish.com http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50837/shrimp-and-bacon-chowder-recipe/

• 8 oz. bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced, 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tbsp. flour of choice
• 3 c. low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 c. Greek Yogurt
• 4 russet potatos, peeled and chopped into 1/2" cubes
• I/2 pkg frozen baby corn kernels
• 1/4 c. chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 lb. medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown bacon until crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate and reserve fat in pan.
2. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened, 6 minutes. Add flour and stir continuously with wooden spoon until absorbed, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in chicken stock, potatoes, green onions, corn, Old Bay, salt and pepper and simmer on medium-low until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and simmer until pink, 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in half the cooked bacon.
5. In a bowl add 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in your yogurt until smooth and creamy before drizzling and stirring into pot.
6. Garnish with remaining bacon and green onions.

Admittedly I could think of a million better ways to celebrate love and this was minimal effort but at least it was orginal.