Pacific Razor Clam Chowder

This is out of my KCTS Chefs 2003 cookbook...Chef Ludger Szmania with Szmania's Magnolia restaurant in Seattle includes this recipe in his popular personal cooking classes he holds at his restaurant. Prep time doesn't include cleaning the clams.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup celery, finely diced
• 1⁄2 cup onion, finely diced
• 1⁄2 cup potato, finely diced
• 1  cup leek, finely diced
• 1⁄2 cup  cream
• 1  cup  chicken stock
• 1  teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1  teaspoon basil
• 1  garlic clove, chopped
• 2  tablespoons Italian parsley
• 1  dash cayenne pepper
• 1  cup dry white wine
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8  razor clams, cleaned and diced

Directions

1. On high heat in a 2-quart pot, melt the butter.
2. Add the onion and garlic and saute' until lightly browned.
3. Add the celery, potatoes, chicken stock and white wine.
4. Cook until potatoes are done, then add leeks and cream.
5. Continue to add herbs, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, then add the razor clam meat.
7. Simmer for 15 more minutes and serve.
8. Serve with crusty French bread and more white wine!