CLAM CHOWDER
Clam Chowder is another of those recipes that have innumerable variations, both regional and personal, and everybody is firmly convinced that their way is the only "right way". The greatest divide is whether Clam Chowder should have tomatoes, Manhattan style, or be made properly, New England style, without tomatoes.

Here is my personal recipe for Clam Chowder, perfected on clams all over the world, and of course, without tomatoes. It is a simple recipe, which highlights the fresh ocean flavor of good, fresh clams. Clam Chowder is a good meal for two, or a soup course for four. Clam Chowder goes well with a good dry sherry, either to drink with, or a bit added just at the end of the cooking.

To do a clam chowder, first shuck your clams, reserving the juices. In a heavy pot, fry:

2 slices of bacon, cut in squares.

When bacon is crisp, remove and drain, reserve. Pour out most of the grease, and add:

1/2 medium onion, chopped

Saute around until onion just starts to color, add:

2 small potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.

Sprig of thyme

Small bay leaf

Dash of white pepper

One dry hot red pepper, optional

Cup of water

Bring to a simmer, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Add:

1 can condensed milk

Bring Clam Chowder back up to a simmer and add:

The clams and their juice

Simmer for a minute or so until the clams are just barely cooked, add:

Tbl. butter

Tbl. dry Sherry, optional

Dash Tabasco sauce if you did not use the hot pepper

Serve Clam Chowder in bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsely and chives. Lemon slices and oyster crackers on the side.

Click here for a printable version of this page

Click Below for More Recipes & Recommendations by Bruce Moffitt:

Great Recipes Home
Seafood Recipes
Entrees Plus
Holiday Recipes
Great Sauces
Unusual Salads
Survival and Needed Recipes
Wonderful Desserts
Favorite Mexican Foods
Kitchen Safety, Please Read

If you like handmade Sterling Silver jewelry in the
Southwestern style,
click here to visit www.Bruce-Moffitt-Jewelry.com.