Shrimp and Corn Chowder with Garlic Croutons

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. Twelve 1/2-inch-thick slices Italian or French bread
2. 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3. 2 garlic cloves, 1 halved and 1 minced
4. 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
5. 2 slices bacon, finely diced
6. 1 cup corn kernels
7. 2 large scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
8. Scant 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
9. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10. 1 1/2 cups bottled clam juice (12 ounces)
11. 1 1/2 cups water
12. 1/4 cup heavy cream
13. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
14. 1 1/4 pounds shelled and deveined large shrimp, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
15. 1 tablespoon dry vermouth (optional)

1. Preheat the broiler. Brush both sides of the bread with the olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Broil the bread slices about 10 inches from the heat for about 3 minutes, until golden on both sides. Rub the croutons with the halved garlic clove.
2. Melt the butter in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the bacon and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, corn, scallions and crushed red pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until the corn is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until everything is coated. Add the clam juice, water and heavy cream and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and simmer until just pink and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the vermouth.
4. Put the croutons in deep bowls, spoon the shrimp and corn chowder on top and serve.