Duke'S Clam Chowder Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh chopped clams (or canned clams with juice)
• 1/2 pound clam meat (optional, for extra bite)
• 1 cup fresh clam juice (reserved from steamed clams or bottled)
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced (optional for smoky depth)
• 1 cup clam juice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for subtle smokiness)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a gentle kick)