CLAM AND OYSTER RECIPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter, followed by the celery and leeks. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened but are not browning, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add the wine to the vegetables and let reduce by half. Add the potatoes and stir to combine. Add the clam juice, 1 cup water and the reserved oyster liquor. The potatoes will soak up some of the saltiness of the oysters and their liquor, giving them great flavor. Bring to a simmer, cover and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender, 6 to 7 minutes. 
• Remove 1 1/2 cups of the soup, blend until smooth in a blender or food processor and return to the pot. Stir in the half-and-half and seafood seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer before adding the oysters. Cook just until the oysters begin to curl, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and garnish with parsley. Serve with oyster crackers.

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the celery, potatoes, onion, carrot, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the celery and onion begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes to the pot and cook 2 minutes. Add the clams and their juices, 1 cup water and the bottled clam juice; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with oyster crackers.
• Per serving: Calories 408; Fat 17 g (Saturated 6 g); Cholesterol 65 mg; Sodium 1,184 mg; Carbohydrate 39 g; Fiber 6 g; Protein 24 g