Enjoy soup in the summertime by making this satisfying chowder with the season’s best produce. Top with cheese and bacon for kid appeal.

Ingredients

• 2 slices applewood-smoked bacon
• 3/4 cup sliced green onions, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 pound yellow summer squash, chopped
• 1 pound frozen white and yellow baby corn kernels, thawed and divided
• 2 1/4 cups 1% low-fat milk, divided
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp.
2. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan.
3. Crumble bacon, and set aside.
4. Add 1/2 cup onions, celery, and squash to drippings in pan; sauté 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Reserve 1 cup corn; set aside.
6. Place the remaining corn and 1 cup milk in a blender; process until smooth.
7. Add remaining 1 1/4 cups milk, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to blender; process just until combined.
8. Add pureed mixture and reserved 1 cup corn to pan.
9. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.
10. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt.
11. Ladle about 1 1/2 cups soup into each of 4 bowls; top each serving with about 1 tablespoon bacon, 1 tablespoon remaining onions, and 1 tablespoon cheese.