Smoked Salmon Chowder With Dried Cherries

Ingredients

• 14 lb salt pork (ground)
• 2 medium onions
• peeled and medium dice
• 3 carrots
• peeled and medium dice
• 3 stalks celery
• medium dice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 3 -4 large russet potatoes
• peeled and medium dice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen corn
• thawed
• 8 ounces smoked salmon
• flaked
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 12 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Heat a large heavy bottom pot over medium/high heat.
2. Add the bacon or salt pork and stir until it renders and begins to brown.
3. Add the onion, carrot, and celery and saute until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the stock, tomato paste and milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cherries, potatoes, cream and corn and simmer for about 15 minutes - be careful not to let it boil!
6. Add the salmon and thyme and simmer for about 15 minutes more.
7. Garnish with the chives and taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper.