Golden Corn Soup

Served warm or cold, this refreshing corn soup is garnished with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs - a flavorful punch that will please your family and friends.

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) fresh corn with husks removed (4 medium ears)

2 cans (12 fluid ounces each) NESTLÉ CARNATION Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk or Evaporated Fat Free Milk

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion chopped

1 carrot peeled and sliced

1 celery stalk sliced

2 large cloves garlic chopped

Kosher salt and ground black pepper for seasoning

1 cup water

2 large sprigs fresh thyme

Light sour cream or crème fraîche (optional)

Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Directions:

CUT kernels from the cobs; reserve kernels and cobs. Place evaporated milk and corncobs in large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover. Cook for 8 minutes. MEANWHILE, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes or until translucent. Stir in carrot, celery, garlic and reserved corn kernels. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. ADD vegetable mixture, water and thyme in saucepan; cover. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Discard corncobs and thyme. Cool mixture for about 10 minutes. POUR soup into blender until it is half full; cover. Blend until smooth. Pour through a medium sieve into clean saucepan (discard contents of sieve). Repeat process with remaining soup. Reheat soup until heated through. Serve topped with swirl of sour cream and chives. Cook's Tip: Soup is also great served chilled.