New England Clam Chowder

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 ounces bacon fat
• 2 ounces butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 stalks celery, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 shredded carrot (optional)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup instant mashed potatoes
• 4 chef potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 quart clam juice
• 3 cups chopped clams
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 drop tabasco sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (garnish)

Recipe

• 1 melt butter and bacon fat in large pot.
• 2 sautee onion, celery garlic (and 1/2 cup shredded carrots, if using) until tender.
• 3 add seasonings (parsley, tabasco, celery salt, thyme & bay).
• 4 add flour and instant mash potatoes.
• 5 turn off flame and stir until flour is no longer visible.
• 6 add the clam juice and stir.
• 7 turn flame back on to high and continue stirring (constantly) to avoid sticking.
• 8 bring to a boil.
• 9 add potatoes and stir.
• 10 cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
• 11 add clams.
• 12 stir.
• 13 add cream.
• 14 stir.
• 15 simmer for 1/2 hour.
• 16 add salt and pepper, to taste.
• 17 serve garnished with fresh parsley and enjoy!