Ralphie's Clam Chowder

Laureen J's Note:

by Ralph Brackett - a family favorite

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 20

• 6 -8 slices bacon
• 4 large onions , sliced
• 12 cups potatoes , cubed
• 2 quarts half-and-half
• 2 quarts clam juice
• 2 (16 ounce) cans clams
• ½ cup butter
• hot sauce

Directions:

1. Fry bacon, save grease (do not burn).
2. Suate sliced onions in bacon fat over med low heat until slightly firm.
3. Add clam juice.
4. Add potatoes.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. REDUCE heat.
7. SIMMER until tender - approximately 15 minutes.
8. add half and half.
9. add clams, butter and hot sauce.
10. When soup is about to boil remove from heat (do not let it boil).
11. add salt and pepper to taste.