Weight Watchers: Corn, Bacon and Potato Chowder

It goes without saying that I haven't grasped the photography thing yet. Even when I think I have a post-worthy photo, an errant ingredient pops up like this over-sized red pepper.

That said, I was headed to Ginza's Sushi and Korean BBQ for lunch, but inclement weather resulted in my stopping at the grocery store instead. This chowder was just what the body needed. Both filling and comforting, I loved the sweet corn and that last hint of hot sauce in my mouth as I swallowed. I didn't think the Canadian bacon added a lot to the dish, but it was a good substitute for bacon. Comforting, easy, healthy. (Substitutions: I used Del Monte Summer Crisp Whole Kernel Golden Sweet  Corn, which is the closest I've found to fresh corn.)

Corn, Bacon and Potato Chowder
Recipe, Weight Watchers (6 Points)
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients 1 medium uncooked yukon gold potato(es)    1 spray(s) cooking spray    1/2 cup(s) uncooked celery, chopped    1/4 cup(s) (chopped) uncooked onion(s), chopped (or 1 large shallot)    4 piece(s) corn on the cob, kernels removed with a knife    1 cup(s) sweet red pepper(s), diced    4 oz uncooked Canadian-style bacon, diced    2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk    1/2 tsp table salt    1/4 tsp black pepper    1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste    Instructions Pierce potato in several places with a fork; microwave on high power until tender, turning over once, about 8 minutes. Allow to cool; peel and mash. Meanwhile, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray. Add celery, onion, corn and red pepper; sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Stir bacon and milk into saucepan; stir in mashed potato and mix well. Season with salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce; stir to combine. Cover and simmer 10 minutes (do not allow to boil). Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving. Notes Feel free to substitute your favorite fresh vegetables like asparagus and broccoli for the red pepper. Or to save time, substitute 2 cups of frozen corn and 1 cup of frozen, diced bell pepper for the fresh corn and red pepper.