Of all the items on a menu, soups grab my attention first; and the way they offer perfection in a bowl is, well perfect. I enjoy hot soup every month of the year; but a lot of folks only eat cool soups in the summer time. So put this little jewel of a recipe for cool corn chowder in your trapper keeper and chill out…a silly little nod to school beginning next week! Take in this glorious corn season and make an easy weekend lunch or appetizer.

1 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
2 green onions, white and tender green parts, separated and chopped
3/4 t ground coriander
3/4 t ground cumin
3/4 t chipotle chili powder
4 cups fresh corn kernels (if not available, use frozen white shoepeg corn, thawed)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup water
1/2 t salt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish

Heat oil on skillet over medium-low heat.
Cook garlic, white parts of onion, coriander, cumin, and chili powder.
Stir until garlic and onions are tender, about 3 minutes.
Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes.
Reserve 1 cup cooked corn.
Transfer mixture to blender.
Add buttermilk, water, and salt.
Purée until smooth.
Chill at least 1 hour.
Pour into demitasse cups.
Spoon in a bit of fresh corn on top.
Serve chilled, garnished with cilantro.
Makes 6 small lunch bowls, or 12 demitasse appetizer servings.