Mirliton-Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 4 large mirlitons, peeled, seeded, and chopped*
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn
• 2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
• Chopped bacon (optional)