Sweet Corn Soup

Using a butter knife, scrape the corncobs over a bowl to extract the juices; set the juices aside and discard the corn cobs.

In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Finely chop the bacon; set aside.

Discard all but 2 Tbs. of the fat from the pot. Set the pot over medium heat, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is softened, about 10 minutes. Add the reserved corn juices and 7 cups water, and season with salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Using a food processor, blend the soup in batches until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream. Adjust the seasonings with salt and black pepper. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and garnish with the bacon. Serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.