South Fork Succotash

Weekends in Michigan always mean good food. Scratch that. Always mean GREAT food! Last night Mr. Schalk's Pop grilled a turkey. On the grill. As in, the whole turkey. How many times do you get a whole Thanksgiving turkey for Labor Day? First time for this girl. We had some great sides courtesy of mom-in-law Schalk. My favorite was this amazing concoction of veggies, bacon and loveliness:


Are you ready? Prepare yourselves. You may need to sit down. Okay, I think you're ready.

South Fork Succotash
Bon Appetit Archives
Serves 6

4 ears fresh corn
3 cups chicken stock
7 bacon slices, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 Yukon Gold potato, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup whipping cream
8 ounces green beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup frozen lima beans, thawed
Chopped fresh parsley

1. Cut enough kernels from corn cobs to measure 3 cups; reserve cobs.
2. Bring 3 cups chicken stock to boil in heavy large saucepan. Add corn-cobs. Boil until stock is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Discard corncobs. Set stock aside.
3. Sauté bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Add shallots, carrot and celery to skillet; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in potato, bell pepper, cream and reduced stock. Cover and cook until potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Add green beans, lima beans, and 3 cups corn kernels. Cover and cook until green beans and lima beans are tender, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid thickens, about 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley when serving.

Whipping cream and bacon? In my veggies?! Yep, that's right. It happens. Make this and thank me later. Since I haven't made this myself yet I can give any tips or timing suggestions. I can tell you the flavors combine into a wonderful mixture of depth and freshness that makes your mouth beg for seconds.

You may be thinking something along the lines of, "Oh another recipe with bacon in it from Rachel. What a surprise. Probably tastes like all the others." Hey, stop your judgin' before tastin'. This is different and amazing! The potatoes are delightful, the corn and green beans pop with freshness. The sauce is....perfect.

I hope to make this soon. I will be dreaming about it until then.