In a 6 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil and let warm up for a couple minutes. Add onions, shallots, garlic and seasoning mix. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until onions appear translucent and softened.
Next, add corn, vegetable stock, fresh herbs and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in milk and sherry cooking wine. Turn the heat up to medium and let the soup come to a boil. Then remove the Dutch oven from the heat.
Add small batches of the soup mixture to a blender (no more than 1/2 full) Blend the soup mixture together while still leaving some texture (small chunks) to the broth. Add the blended soup back to the Dutch oven and place back over the heated burner. Bring the soup back to a boil, then turn down heat to medium-low. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve in bowls or refrigerate and reheat to serve the next day.
Cooked crabmeat, lobster or scallops may also be added to the soup if desired when ready to serve.
Garnish bowls of soup with additional sprigs of fresh herbs and homemade Rosemary Croutons (see recipe below)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cubed bread in a bowl and sprinkle with olive oil and lightly toss the bread to coat. Sprinkle ground rosemary and grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to toss the bread cubes to coat in the seasonings. Place seasoned bread cubes on a cookie sheet and toast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
Serves 4
* Recipe for Rev Paul's Seasoning mix: (Extra can be stored in airtight container or put in shaker near the stove to use for seasoning in cooking.)
2 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
2 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
** Can replace total amount of canned corn with 4 ears of shucked fresh corn.
*** Can use chicken stock.
**** Do not use skim or low percent milk. Whole milk or cream is fine.
Corn Chowder with Rosemary Croutons Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/elleneaston/cornchowder.htm