Dinner with Friends

CORN CHOWDER

Makes about 4½ quarts

¼ cup unsalted butter
4 cups diced onion
1 cup diced green bell pepper
1 cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 quarts chicken broth
6 cups diced potatoes
1 cup oyster cracker crumbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
5 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 quart half-and-half
Garnish: chopped green bell pepper, ground red pepper

ONE In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers; cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in broth; bring to a boil. Add potatoes; cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.