CHOWDER BASE RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Heat a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over low heat and add the diced salt pork. Once it has rendered a few tablespoons of fat, increase the heat to medium and cook until the pork is a crisp golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cracklings to a small ovenproof dish, leaving the fat in the pot, and reserve until later.
• 2. Add the butter, onions, savory or thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for about 8 minutes, until the onions and softened but not browned.
• 3. Add the potatoes and stock. If the stock doesn’#over the potatoes, add just enough water to cover them. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil, cover, and cook the potatoes vigorously for about 10 minutes, until they are soft on the outside but still firm in the center. If the stock hasn’4hickened lightly, smash a few of the potato slices against the side of the pot and cook for a minute or two longer to release their starch. Reduce the heat to low and season assertively with salt and pepper (you want to almost overseason the chowder at this point to avoid having to stir it much once the fish is added). Add the fish fillets and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and allow the chowder to sit for 10 minutes (the fish will finish cooking during this time).
• 4. Gently stir in the cream and taste for salt and pepper. If you are not serving the chowder within the hour, let it cool a bit, then refrigerate; cover the chowder after it has chilled completely. Otherwise, let it sit for up to an hour at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.
• 5. When ready to serve, reheat the chowder over low heat; don’,et it boil. Warm the cracklings in a low oven (200 °F) for a few minutes.
• 6. Use a slotted spoon to mound the chunks of fish, the onions, and potatoes in the center of large soup plates or shallow bowls, and ladle the creamy broth around. Scatter the cracklings over the individual servings and finish each with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and minced chives.
• Strong Fish Stock made with the heads and bones from the cod or haddock you buy for chowder is by far the best choice for this recipe. I urge you to make it, but if you can’4here are alternatives listed in the recipe.
• For equipment, you will need a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot with a lid, a slotted spoon, a wooden spoon, and a ladle.

Steps:

• In a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and then add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent about 5-7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, drain the clam juice from the chopped clams and combine with enough bottled juice to equal 3 cups of liquid.
• Once the onions are cooked, add the flour and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, to form the roux. The roux should remain golden and not be browned.
• Now, whisk in the clam juice, bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid should be the consistency of heavy cream. If it is too thick, add more clam juice (or water) to adjust the consistency.
• Add the potatoes and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
• When the potatoes are tender, add the clams and cream to the soup base. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat before boiling so the milk doesn't separate.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with Oyster Crackers and freshly chopped parsley.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with our New England Clam Cakes.