Summer Corn and Clams-in-the-Shell Chowder

Cut the kernels from the ears of corn (don’t cut too deeply) and then, with the back of your knife, scrape down the ears to collect all the juice and flesh left on the cob. Place the kernels and all of their juice in a bowl and set aside.

Scrub the clams well. Combine the wine, 2 tablespoons butter and the garlic in a large pot with a lid and bring to a boil. Add the clams, cover the pot and cook until the clams pop open, about 5 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open. Pour the clam cooking liquid into a bowl and let it sit until any sediment from the clams settles to the bottom of the bowl. Keep the clams warm and moist in the pot with the lid on.

In a soup pot or wide saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat and sauté the shallots and herbs for 4 to 5 minutes until the shallots are very tender. Carefully pour the cooking liquid from the clams into the pot with the shallots, leaving behind any sand or sediment. Add the corn and cream and simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. The juices from the corn will lightly thicken the soup. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce. If you would like a little juicier chowder, add 8 to 10 ounces of clam juice from a jar.

Divide the clams, still in their shells, between 4 to 6 wide soup bowls and add 3 or 4 croutons to each. Spoon the corn chowder over and around the clams. Garnish with fresh parsley.