Creamy....Easy....Clam Chowder...

As promised...
 
Here is my recipe for Easy Creamy Clam Chowder...

I got the original recipe...from one of my old Betty Crocker cookbooks...

I have adapted it so suit my style of cooking...

And...

This is a much healthier recipe...

Diced onion...

Diced carrots..

Diced celery...

Diced potatoes...

And a few celery leaves, I find they add a ton of fresh flavour to soups and stews...

The origianl recipe did not call for carrots or celery...

I probably used 2 medium carrots...and 2 stalks of celery...

3-4 potatoes ...I used Yukon Gold...and I do not peel mine... 



I don't peel the carrots either...

That's just me!!!

You will need 2 cans of baby clams...

Drain them...and reserve the liquid...

Discard any sand that might be in the bottom of the juice...{or leave it in...if you like the feel of sand against your teeth!!!}

Seriously...the amount of sand is minimal...I was just trying to be funny!!!! {I know...get on with the darn recipe...and quit trying to be funny!!!}

In a large pot.. heat about 3-4 tbsps of olive oil...

Saute the veggies....

I season with a generous amount of cracked black pepper...sea salt...and thyme....


Add the clam juice.... 

 To this mixture add a few shakes of worcestshire sauce and one chicken or vegetable cube...and about 1/4 cup of water...

Bring this all to a gentle simmer...cover...and let it go for about an hour...until the veggies are nice and tender....

The original recipe called for bacon...which I omit...but you can certainly do that...

Fry a few pieces...remove the bacon...add the veggies and juice to the bacon drippings......reserve the bacon for crumbling on top, when serving....

Once you are satisfied that the veggies are done...I use a potato masher, just to break them up a wee bit...

Call me crazy...{but don't call me late for dinner!!!}   I like my soup chunky and hearty....

Now...you will need 3 cups of milk...or 2 cups and 1 cup cream...

Of course....I use the milk...

In a large bowl...whsk 3 tbsps of flour into the milk..

Add slowly to the broth...stirring as you go...

Bring to a slow boil...and stir for a while longer....

I usually turn it down to low....cover and let it do its' thing!!!

It is actually ready to eat...after about 15 minutes..

But I prefer it the next day...

I neglected to take photos of the clams themselves...and the milk procedure...

But.....I know.....you are all able to fill in the blanks...

I serve with a light drizzle of olive oil...and a fresh Basil leaf...

How beautiful is that???

This makes an excellent appetizer for a dinner party...

I served it in large white cups...

It was a real crowd pleaser....

Mr ghost is saying to Mr Black Cat..."That Linda is sure a swell cook...that chowder looks booooo-tiful...her boyfriend loves this chowder...and she tailors it to his cholesterol problems...what a darn lucky guy!!! now.....I want you, Mr Black Cat...to convince Linda to let us out more than just at Halloween...I am tired of being stuck in there all summer with those Christmas Guys!! They are always so darn Jolly...Geesh!"

Hope you all had a great day...I was very busy.....again!

Picked up Miss V...grocery shopping...a stop at the greenhouse for a few fall items...had tea with my friend Devon...while enjoying a fresh piece of Banana-Blueberry loaf...I love when my days are so full...I really don't mean to complain....honestly!!!

And.....what a glorious sunny day it was!!

Tomorrow will be spent in the garden.....FOR SURE!!!!...

I will take my camera with me!!!!

                                        ************

On the menu this Tuesday night...

   Crock- Pot... Pot Roast...potatoes..carrots...onions...green beans...

       With a side of fresh broccoli...

              I also add a splash of Passata...makes it really richly flavored...

And I must say.....it was really delicious...:o)

Now...I already have a pot of beef and barley soup going, with the leftovers!!!


If you have any questions about the chowder recipe...ask...and I will reply in the comment section...


                                  Cheers!  :o)
                                     linda