Creamy Clam Chowder

This recipe is easy to make a delicious! Enjoy!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 6  slices bacon, diced
• 2  medium  size carrots, thinly sliced
• 2  medium celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 1  small onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 green pepper, chopped
• 1  garlic clove, minced and pressed
• 1 1⁄2 lbs  red potatoes, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 (8 ounce) bottles  clam juice
• 8 (6 1/2ounce) cans  chopped clams
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  hot pepper sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 4  cups  whipping cream (half & half)
•  salt

Directions

1. In a 6 to 8 quart pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp,.
2. remove from pan & drain. Set aside, discard all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
3. Add carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic to drippings, cook until onions are tender.
4. Add potatoes and vegetables to mixture along with the clam juice. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in clams w/ liquid, bay leaf, hot pepper seasoning, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cream and bacon. Heat until steaming, season with salt.
5. Serve with oyster crackers.