Corn Chowder W/Fresh Herbs, Potatoes and Smoked Ham

With fall fast approaching and longing for a steaming bowl of soup, I dug into the huge pile of my recipes that I have yet to put here, and came across this one! A hearty rich chowder that will keep you warm from the icy cold north winds!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped onion
• 1  medium carrot, finely chopped
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  sprig fresh thyme
• 1  sprig fresh tarragon
• 2 (16 ounce) cans  whole potatoes, drained
• 2 (16 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
• 1⁄2 cup half-and-half
• 2  canned pimientos, drained and diced
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1⁄2-2  cups  diced smoked ham
•  additional chopped parsley (to garnish)

Directions

1. In large (3-quart or so) saucepan,combine broth, onion and carrots.
2. Tie together bay leaf and fresh herbs to make a bouquet garni.
3. Add to saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
4. Remove herbs. Remove pan from heat.
5. Dice canned potatoes *reserving 1 cup. Set 1 cup's worth aside.
6. Put rest of potatoes and 1 can of corn in the blender. Blend til smooth, add to saucepan. (*You can also do this in the saucepan instead of the blender with a Magic Wand hand mixer.).
7. Return pan to heat (about medium), and add the rest of the potatoes (the 1 cup you reserved), the second can of corn, the half and half and the diced ham.
8. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
9. Stir in pimientos and parsley.
10. Season with a little pepper or hot sauce if desired, to taste.
11. Taste for saltiness, add salt only if needed. *Ham can be very salty so be careful adding only a little at a time.
12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley.
13. Serve with warm crusty bread or fresh baked cornbread and butter!