VERMONT CORN CHOWDER

Steps:

• Cook the diced salt pork over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, so that all of the pork pieces become brown but not too dry.
• Remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon.
• Saute the onion in the pork fat just until tender, but not brown.
• Add the water, corn, potatoes and salt, cooking, uncovered, until the potatoes are almost soft.
• Add the milk and simmer very gently for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavor ripen.
• Taste for seasoning, adding a good bit of freshly ground pepper.
• Sprinkle the surface with the salt pork and serve with a large supply of soda crackers.