summertime servings - corn chowder

The last couple of summers, they've served "Summer Corn Chowder" at Panera Bread. It was my absolute favorite and to my disappointment, they haven't had it at all this summer. 


So, I had to find a delicious corn chowder recipe of my own.


I made this last week and ate it for dinner and lunch for several days. I would prefer to use fresh corn from the garden, and considering Clay's parents grow every vegetable, fruit, and herb known to man in their garden, you would think I'd be able to do just that. However, corn is the one thing they haven't ventured into just yet. Maybe next summer...


Corn Chowder

• 6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups potatoes, chopped and peeled
• 4 cups frozen or fresh corn
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt & pepper to taste

In a pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned. Add the onions and cook until clear. Add the garlic, cayenne pepper, potatoes, corn, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender (about 15 - 20 minutes). Add the milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Heat through, but do not boil. 

I served this with grilled cheese sandwiches. 

On a completely unrelated note, I've added some fun graphics to the "pages" at the top of the screen (About, Room 609, Recipes, etc.) Check them out if you have a chance. 

And lastly, this week it has been back to reality for me... trying to prepare for the youngins that will expect me to teach and challenge them this coming year. A lot of people ask me why on God's beautiful green earth did I choose to teach 6th grade... and I have finally been able to verbalize my answer exactly the way I want to. And here it is... 


SIXTH GRADERS ARE HILARIOUS. They are so funny and I laugh every single day. Sometimes with them, sometimes at them, but either way I'm laughing. And THAT is why I LOVE teaching 6th grade. 


I've been up in my room some this week getting it ready. Here's a picture of one of my favorite bulletin boards:

This is my informational bulletin board. It's where students can stay up to date about things going on in their school. I got the border at the Parent-Teacher store and have another similar, matching one on my other bulletin board. The striped fabric used for the ice cream cone came from the bottom of a curtain I used on a bookshelf in my room. I cut it in half because my bookshelf is only 3 feet tall and used the leftovers for this. 


Not only it it cute, but it's functional too. The clipboards are awesome for ever-changing information that we like to call "extra-curriculars." For example, if I get a schedule for volleyball tryouts from the coach, I can print it out and put it on the clipboard for as long as it is applicable. Then, when they're over, I'll remove it easily, no staples or push pins required. The far left clipboard is used for my classroom chores, which is why there is a pink duster next to it. Yes, I am that mean teacher that puts my kids to work cleaning, dusting, and sweeping. But, nobody wants to learn in a dirty room. :) 


I will eventually put up a classroom tour and a house tour using the recently made-over "pages" at the top of the screen. Maybe I'll have that done by 2015.