The comfort food appeal of corn chowder of this 1960s era recipe still holds today, especially with the hot dog garnish, which will make you feel like a kid again. Gussy it up with a more grown-up sausage, if you like, but we vote for franks. Either way, pair it with one of the richly textured white wines below for a down-home meets uptown match.
MAKE THIS
CORN CHOWDER WITH FRANKS
Heat 1 large potato, finely chopped, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 3 cups water, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can (14 3/4 ounces) creamed corn, and 1 can (12 ounces) unsweetened evaporated milk to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan. Cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add 4 hot dogs, thinly sliced; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter; season with salt, if desired. Makes: 6 servings
Recipe by Bill Daley
DRINK THIS
Pairings by sommelier Ryan Arnold, divisional wine director for Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, as told to Michael Austin:
2013 Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, California: Chardonnay is a no-brainer when it comes to this creamed-corn-meets-hot-dogs recipe. This wine has aromas of lemon peel and honey, a hint of smokiness and a slightly creamy texture that will match the weight of the dish. Sandhi uses slightly larger barrels called puncheons (as opposed to the smaller barriques), which means the fruit can really emerge and the wines don’t get over-oaked or cloying.
2010 Dopff Pinot Gris, Grandu Cru Schoenenbourg, Alsace, France: Lower in acidity than sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, pinot gris feels more round and supple on the palate, and tastes of pear and yellow apple. Those flavors will work well here, and the wine’s texture will perfectly mirror the texture of the chowder. This wine also tends to have a touch of residual sugar, which will play nicely with the sweetness of the corn.
2012 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc, Loire Valley, France: This chenin blanc possesses flavors of baked apple, tangerine, honey and ginger, and will complement the heartiness of the dish’s potatoes, creamed corn and butter. It also offers both a rich texture and mouthwatering acidity. Domaine Guiberteau is in the Loire Valley’s appellation of Saumur, and is making some of the most exquisite white wines in the world, especially for the price.
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