New England Clam Chowder

This is a rich and flavorful Chowder - creamy in body and full of clams - I have lived east and west coast and have lived in BC, Canada and this recipe is a combination of all - plus the love and care of my Jims' clam chowder

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 6  dozen clams
• 1  cup  diced onion
• 8  cups potatoes
• 1⁄2 cup celery
• 3  garlic cloves
• 12  cups  clam juice
• 3  cups  fat-free half-and-half
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon pepper
• 3  tablespoons flour
• 2  tablespoons butter

Directions

1. In a large steamer pot add your cleaned clams - with 1 cup of white wine and 2 tsps crushed garlic. Steam until clams are fully opened.
2. Remove clams from the pot and set aside to cool.
3. Reserve all liquids from the clam steam (this is the clam liquor - add bottled clam juice to equal 12 cups).
4. In a 6 qt or larger pot add 1 tbsp olive oil, over medium high heat, add onions, celery, garlic and potatoes. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until onions are clear.
5. Add clam liquor and cook till potatoes are tender.
6. In a small pot melt butter add flour, salt and pepper cook for two minutes slowly add several ladles of the clam juice from the soup pot to the rue and cook till it begins to thicken, remember to stir constantly while thickening or you will burn your rue. Return the rue to the soup pot and allow the two to come together. Add cream and cook for 10 minutes.
7. The last touch is to add your chopped clams - I add them last so they don't turn to rubber. Serve with a nice crusty bread.