🐚 Amazing Clam Chowder

This **Amazing Clam Chowder** is rich, creamy, and packed with tender clams, potatoes, and bacon — a classic New England comfort soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups chicken or clam broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 (6.5 oz) cans chopped clams, drained (reserve juice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Oyster crackers (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté veggies: Add onion and celery to the bacon drippings. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add potatoes and broth: Stir in potatoes, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Make the roux: Push veggies to the side, add butter and melt. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Add liquids: Gradually stir in reserved clam juice, cream, and milk. Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add clams and bacon: Stir in clams and cooked bacon. Heat through (do not boil).
7. Season: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot garnished with parsley and oyster crackers.

Tip: For extra richness, add a splash of sherry or a pinch of smoked paprika!

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