Tomato Corn Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 large ears corn
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 small potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 3 c. vegetable stock
• 1 c. half and half
• 1/2 c. alfalfa sprouts or parsley