Clam Chowder – Adventures in Everyday Cooking

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of raw bacon, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• 2-3 cans (15oz each) diced potatoes, or 3 small potatoes, cooked, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup water
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
• 3 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of half-and-half, divided in half
• 2 cans (6-1/2 ounces each) chopped clams, with juices
• Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning or several pinches of crushed red pepper