A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 servings. 6 slices bacon 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 sweet onions, chopped 3 cups vegetable stock 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice 2 bay leaves 2 large Yukon gold

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 servings. 6 slices bacon 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 sweet onions, chopped 3 cups vegetable stock 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice 2 bay leaves 2 large Yukon gold

Fish & Corn Chowder

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Yield: 6 servings.

6 slices bacon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 sweet onions, chopped
3 cups vegetable stock
1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice
2 bay leaves
2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
2 stalks celery, chopped
1½ teaspoons salt
2 cups fresh corn (about 4 ears) or frozen corn kernels
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1½ pounds firm white fish fillets (cod or halibut), cut into 1½-inch chunks
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, let drain on a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside.

Add butter and onions to the remaining bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and just starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

Add stock, clam juice, bay leaves, potatoes, celery, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 20 minutes.

Stir in corn, milk, and cream, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in fish and black pepper. Continue to simmer for an additional 3 minutes until corn is heated through. Remove and discard bay leaves. Crumble bacon on top, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, and serve.

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This story was published on May 20, 2022

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.