Frontier Soups Red Pepper Corn Chowder Mix, 5 oz

Frontier Soups packs its Florida Sunshine Red Pepper Corn Chowder as a dry mix in a 5 oz pouch. The pouch carries the dried vegetables and the seasoning; the broth, the dairy and any protein are yours to add. The brand formulates its mixes without added salt or preservatives, so the seasoning decision sits with the cook rather than with the bag.

Figure about 40 minutes start to finish. Bring 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a 3 to 4 quart pot, stir in the mix, and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Add 1 cup of heavy cream or half and half and cook uncovered on low for another 10 minutes, then let it stand 5 minutes before serving. Two cups of peeled shrimp or cooked shredded chicken go in with the cream when you want an entree instead of a first course. One pouch yields roughly six servings.

A useful pantry item for cooks who want a scratch result on a weeknight, and a sound gift for a cabin kitchen.