Clam Chowder

I can't get enough of this delicious soup. The bacon and cream-style corn make it extra-special.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 6  slices bacon, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 large onions, chopped
• 2  large potatoes, peeled,cut into ½ inch pieces
• 1  large red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 (10 ounce) cans baby clams, drained,liquid reserved
• 2  cups  whole milk (do not use skim or 0%)
• 1⁄2 cup bottled clam juice
• 2 (15 ounce) cans  cream-style corn
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh thyme or 1  tablespoon dried thyme, crumbled

Directions

1. Cook chopped bacon in large saucepan over medium heat until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown; add onions and saute until tender, about 10 minutes; add potatoes and bell pepper and saute 1 minute; add reserved liquid from canned clams, milk and bottled clam juice; simmer chowder, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
2. add corn and clams to chowder; simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes; mix in thyme; season to taste with salt and pepper.