621. SMOKED TURKEY and BACON CHOWDER with PUMPERNICKEL and CRANBERRY CROUTONS

makes 10 main-course servings


Chowder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 smoked turkey drumsticks (4 to 4 1/2 pounds total)
2 cups chopped applewood-smoked bacon (about 10 ounces), divided
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, diced
5 cups chopped onions
4 cups chopped celery
3 cups chopped carrots
12 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 cups (or more) low-salt chicken broth

Cayenne pepper

Garnish (optional)
24 pearl onions
24 small fresh brussels sprouts

Very thin strips of fresh sage

Pumpernickel and Cranberry Croutons
Five 5X4-inch slices pumpernickel bread
Whole-berry cranberry sauce (about 1 cup total; preferably homemade)

For chowder: Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add turkey; sauté until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to plate. Add 1 cup bacon to pot; stir 1 minute. Add next 5 ingredients. sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 15 minutes. Mix in tomato paste. Add 12 cups broth; return turkey to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until turkey and vegetables are very tender, about 45 minutes.

Transfer turkey to large plate; cool. Cut meat into bite-size pieces, discarding all skin, bones, and tendons. Working in batches, puree chowder in processor until smooth. Return puree to same pot; add diced turkey. Thin chowder with more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm before serving.

For croutons: Toast bread. Cut each slice into 4 squares. Spread squares with cranberry sauce. Serve croutons with smoked turkey and bacon chowder. Makes 20 croutons.

For garnish: Cook onions and brussels sprouts in pan of boiling salted water until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; peel onions. Cut onions and brussels sprouts in half through core. do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Sauté 1 cup bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add onions and brussels sprouts to skillet. Toss until heated through.

Ladle chowder into bowls. Top with onions, brussels sprouts, bacon, and fresh sage. Serve croutons alongside or on top of chowder.


courtesy of: David Burke / Bon Appétit, February 2007