CLAM CHOWDER (New England Style)

There are hundreds of recipes for New England Clam Chowder. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, where there are wonderful New England style restaurants. When I say that this is the BEST RECIPE I have ever tasted, you can TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!!!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 8  lbs small quahogs or 8  lbs cherrystone clams
• 4  slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2  cups  finely chopped yellow onions
• 1  cup  finely chopped celery
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  minced garlic
• 6  sprigs fresh thyme leaves
• 2  bay leaves
• 3  cups  cubed potatoes, 1/2 inch cubes,peeled (about 1 1/4 lbs.)
• 2  cups heavy whipping cream
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
•  salt
• 6  tablespoons  cold unsalted butter, cut into tsp size pieces
• 1⁄4 cup  fresh minced flat leaf parsley
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped scallion

Directions

1. In a large stockpot bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add clams, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Uncover, quickly stir clams with a wooden spoon and cover again.
4. Continue to cook 5 to 10 minutes longer, until most of the clams are opened.
5. Transfer clams to a large bowl and strain the broth twice through a fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth into another bowl, being careful to strain out the sand and grit.
6. You should now have about 6 cups of clam broth.
7. If not, add enough water to make it 6 cups.
8. When clams are cool enough to handle, remove them from their shells and cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
9. Set clams and broth aside.
10. In a large heavy pot, cook bacon until crisp and fat is rendered.
11. Pour off all, except 2 tablespoons, of the bacon fat.
12. Add the butter, onions and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
13. Add the garlic, thyme and bay leaves and cook until vegetables are completely wilted, about 3 minutes, being careful not to brown.
14. Add the potatoes and the reserved clam broth and bring to a boil.
15. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until broth slightly thickens and the potatoes are very tender.
16. If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
17. Remove from heat, stir in the clams and heavy whipping cream, and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
18. Set aside for 1 hour, to allow all of the flavors to thoroughly blend.
19. Place the pot over low heat and slowly reheat, being careful not to bring to a boil.
20. Serve hot, garnished with 1 or 2 pats of butter and some chopped scallions.