New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

• – 2 dozen fresh chowder clams (about 4 pounds)
• – 4 cups water
• – 4 slices bacon, diced
• – 1 large onion, finely chopped
• – 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• – 2 garlic cloves, minced
• – 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• – 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• – 1 bay leaf
• – 3 cups whole milk
• – 1 cup heavy cream
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• – Oyster crackers (for serving)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Clams**:

• – Scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any sand or grit.
• – In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the clams, cover, and steam until the clams open, about 8-10 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open.
• – Remove the clams from their shells and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Strain the clam broth through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove any remaining sand or grit. Reserve the broth.

2. **Cook the Bacon**:

   – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

3. **Sauté the Vegetables**:

• – Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
• – Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. **Add Potatoes and Broth**:

   – Add the diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and reserved clam broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

5. **Add Milk and Cream**:

   – Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes, being careful not to let the mixture boil.

6. **Add Clams and Bacon**:

   – Add the chopped clams and cooked bacon to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. **Serve**:

• – Remove the bay leaf and discard.
• – Ladle the clam chowder into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with oyster crackers.
• Enjoy your rich and creamy New England Clam Chowder, a perfect comfort food for any season!