Thick and Chunky New England Clam Chowder

This recipe is a combination of some of my favorite recipes from Food.com. My family really likes their chowder thick and with alot of clams. I came up with this and they love it!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1 (51 ounce) can  of diced clams
• 1 (24 ounce) bottle  clam juice
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  large onion, finely chopped
• 2  stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 -3  tablespoons  hormel real bacon bits
• 2  garlic cloves
• 1  bay leaf
• 1 (10 3/4ounce)  cream of potato soup
• 1 (10 3/4ounce)  cream of celery soup
• 1 (28 ounce) can  of chopped potatoes
• 3  cups  whipping cream
• 3  cups  of mashed  potato flakes

Directions

1. Melt butter in large pot.
2. Add onion, celery, Bacon bits and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Add clams with juice, Soups, clam juice, potatoes, bay leaf and whipping cream. Stir and cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Season with pepper (salt if needed but the clams and juice make it salty).
5. Whisk in potato flakes and keep stirring so it doesn't get lumpy. Cook on low for 15 minutes or until warm.
6. Serve with a nice crusty bread and Salad! Enjoy!