CROCK POT NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER RECIPES

Steps:

• Prepare onion, celery and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add vegetables, cooking over medium heat until onion is translucent. Add garlic and, thyme and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Transfer to the bowl of a 6 quart slow cooker. 
• Peel and chop potatoes into small bite sized pieces. Add to the slow cooker along with clams, juice and seasonings. Stir to combine. Cover and begin cooking on high for 5 hours or low for 10. 
• Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove 1/2 Tb bacon grease, transfering to the slow cooker, if desired. Chop bacon, reserving a small portion for topping chowder later. Toss remaining larger portion of chopped bacon to the slow cooker. Return lid and continue to cook. 
• When 30 minutes remain in the cook time, add flour to half & half, whisking well until smooth. Add to the slow cooker, stirring wel lto combine. Replace lid and continue to cook until thickened. 
• Divide among bowls serving warm and sprinkling with bacon.

Steps:

• Place a fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl and strain the 4 cans of minced clams, separating the meat from the juices.
• Using a 6-quart dutch oven or pot of similar size, fry bacon over medium-high heat until fat renders and the edges begin to crisp.
• Add onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low and add carrots, celery and flour, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes to avoid lumps.
• Add black pepper, thyme, reserved clam juices, chicken stock, diced potatoes, and bay leaf. Stir to incorporate, then cover and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove bay leaf and add cream. Allow chowder to simmer for an additional 10-20 minutes until soup has thickened to an appropriate consistency.
• Add in reserved clam meat and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve with oyster crackers
• Enjoy!