TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER RECIPES

Steps:

• Tap clams; discard any that do not close. Place clams and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes or until clams open. , Remove meat from clams; chop meat and set aside. Strain liquid through a cheesecloth-lined colander; set aside., In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Saute onion in drippings until tender., Return bacon to the pan; add clam meat and reserved liquid. Stir in the potatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender., Combine flour and milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Gradually stir in cream; heat through (do not boil).

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.