Sweet Corn, Shrimp & Green Pepper Chowder

• Melt 2 TBSP plain butter (4 TBSP for 4 servings) in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add green pepper and scallion whites; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, 2-3 minutes. • Add flour; cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 1 minute.

• Slowly stir milk into pot a splash at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in 1½ cups water (2½ cups for 4 servings). • Add potatoes, stock concentrates, and half the Old Bay Seasoning (you’ll use more in the next step). Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are very tender, 15-20 minutes. TIP: To test, pierce one piece with a fork—it should go through easily.

Rinse shrimp under cold water; pat shrimp or chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp or chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, 3-5 minutes for shrimp or 4-6 minutes for chicken. Turn off heat; transfer to a plate. Wipe out pan.

• Meanwhile, combine softened butter, ¼ tsp Old Bay Seasoning (½ tsp for 4 servings), and ¼ tsp sugar (½ tsp for 4) until smooth. (TIP: If the butter is still cold, microwave for 10 seconds to soften.) Taste and add more Old Bay Seasoning if desired. • Halve baguette lengthwise; spread cut sides with Old Bay butter. Place, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. • Toast on top rack until golden, 3-5 minutes.

• Once potatoes are tender, reduce heat to low and mash with a potato masher or fork to desired consistency. TIP: We recommend mashing until almost smooth, leaving a few small potato pieces for texture. • Stir in cream cheese, corn, and Monterey Jack until fully incorporated and chowder is thick and creamy. If needed, stir in splashes of water until chowder reaches desired consistency (it will be very thick at this point). Season generously with salt and pepper.

Once Monterey Jack is fully incorporated, stir in half the shrimp or half the chicken.