Chick. cheddar chowder....do i need to use bacon?

[Mindy]

Do I really need to use the bacon for the chicken cheddar chowder or can I leave it out all together? If I need to use the bacon, is turkey bacon ok? I'm not really a bacon fan.

[JJeannette]

Mindy, I just went over that recipe this afternoon. I really think the bacon is needed for the flavor----of course, if you don't like that flavor, then just use a tablespoon of canola oil to cook the onion, etc.

Now with my family, I'll have to cook the whole package of bacon!

[KelLeg]

Mindy,

I do think the soup needs the bacon grease. I never top it with the bacon, I just use it for the first few steps. I even wrote on my recipe that the bacon is a necessary step (for my taste buds anyway).

[lisas3575]

I've made a vegetarian version of this soup several times, and put in hickory smoked salt (available in the spice aisle at my supermarket) to kind of replicate that 'bacon' taste. That's worked pretty good for me. I puree a block of tofu to add to the cream base for protein, and let the potatoes, onions and peppers be the chunky part.

[BlueMoose]

Actually, I've made this recipe many times and I never use bacon. I still think it's really good.

[Mindy]

Thanks for your help. I don't really like that smokey flavor, so i guess i could do without the bacon.

[Ed]

Hi,

When we made this last night we used Bacon, but that was due to me, Sharon would prefer not to use Bacon.

I truly think that you just need some grease, (oil,) to saute the vegetables and meat in, it doesn't need to be Bacon "Grease."'

In fact some people, Like Sharon, who want to eat healthy stay away from Bacon, and some don't eat Pork for Religious reasons.

I think that a Tablespoon or two of some good light Olive Oil would work well with this recipe, and the next time I make it I will do it that way, to cut down on the things Sharon prefers not to have in her meals.

I will however cook some Bacon in another pan to have some to garnish my Chowder with, because I like it.

This recipe is so good I think you can do your own thing and it will turn out just fine.

Ed

[JJeannette]

I ended up making this last evening. I did use bacon---got to have bacon! But I realized that there is a substitute if you want the smokey flavor without the bacon. I had some smokey sharp cheddar in the frig---that actually added more flavor than just the bacon drippings.