Tuesday 8 October 2013

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 

       

21 comments:

  1. Mmmm....thanks for the recipe! My mouth is watering! I'm pinning this...sounds like something we would really enjoy!

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    1. You pinned me???
      Does that mean we are going steady,Betsy! hahaha!

      Delete
  2. Whoa, what a silky looking clam chowder recipe, Linda. I love that you were mindful of those of us watching cholesterol too. I happen to like sand with my clams. I know it sounds funny but after all the clamming we did when we were kids, you kinda get use to the sand. It adds pizzaz! Call me anything but don't call me "late for dinner" I'll be right there!

    I seem to get so much more accomplished when I have a busy day as long as it doesn't include any computer work at all! I must get into the garden again one day this week. So much clean-up to tend to. You take your camera and I'll take mine:)

    Hope you're feeling better and thanks for sharing...

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    1. We will see what we come up with in the garden!!!
      Feeling great...thanks for asking!

      Delete
  3. Thank you for the clam soup recipe. We are HUGE soup/bread fans and this will be a welcome addition. Sounds delicious! One questions ... what is Passata? Is it a seasoning for crockpot cooking? Linda

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    1. Passata is bottled tomato puree...in the aisle with tomatoes/canned sauces...
      Try it!! It gives a really rich deeper flavour...especially to beef dishes..

      Delete
  4. I use this exact same recipe! I love it. Yum, yum. I enjoyed the conversation between your Halloween guys, they obviously think you're the bee's knees!

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    1. Yes....I have a very close relationship with everyone in my household!! hahaha!

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  5. We get a lot of local clams here but I can never seem to make them last. I always end up breading and frying them up. I should try this. It sounds and looks yummy!

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    1. I use the canned baby clams...fresh would be awesome!!
      Let me know if you try it!

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  6. This is a nice hearty and healthy chowder Linda. I love the conversation with the cat and the ghost. Cute. Enjoy your garden day. I should do the same tomorrow as it's going to be nice - right through the weekend!!

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    1. Thanks Pam...
      I hope to at least clean up the front.......for Thanksgiving...
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  7. Hi Linda. I love your soup recipe! We are all big soup loves here, and eat it a lot in the winter. I love to put a nice pot of soup on, and a loaf of bread in the machine, and let them both cook all afternoon, and the house smells wonderful!!
    I seem to have missed your previous post? I am having trouble keeping up lately!!!
    Big hug!!
    Kris

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    Replies
    1. I am sure you will make this...pretty easy...and delicious!
      I made the chicken in the crock-pot...as you posted...and it was awesome!!!
      Hope you get to your cabin this weekend...it is a long weekend for us...Thanksgiving!!!
      We are going to the cottage on Thursday...hope our bedroom isn't too wet!

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  8. I'm not sure which I like most Linda, the suggestion to add sand to your chowder or the fact that the cat and the ghost find the Christmas guys are too happy!!!! Either way it made me laugh out loud which has to be a good way to start the day. I really do love your posts Linda and I am so glad I found your blog, it has added great cheer to my life. Thank you!!! xxxx

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    Replies
    1. Well, Amy...I am glad too! I never say no to compliments!!
      In fact...I bribe all of the household to compliment me daily!!! hahaha!
      My china cabinet is full of S&P's, for every occasion!
      I do enjoy them......a lot!
      Enjoy your week!!

      Delete
  9. That ghost and black cat sure do have it right ... you have delicious recipes. I'll have to pass on this one as seafood doesn't agree with me :(

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    1. Thanks Linda...but...sorry to hear that!!
      This is very similar to your Potato and Leek soup...which I shall be making in the next few weeks!
      Got a big pot of Beef and Barley warming for lunch!
      Great tip about the soap under the nails for gardening!!!
      Will have to try that one!
      Enjoy your day!

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    2. hoping to get to the market to get some fresh leeks for the soup too

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  10. I LOVE clams and this recipe looks delish and easy. Just right for me! I will be making this for sure, sans the flour, of course!

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    1. You could make it with white velotine!!! Gluten-free!!

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Oh...I do love comments....no anonymous comments allowed...and you know who you are....