Clam Chowder Too

Developed February 15, 2006 from Internet recipes.

2 or 3 thick slices bacon, diced
1 c chopped onion
2 ribs celery, diced
3 to 4 c diced potatoes
1 c (1 bottle) clam juice, or seafood or chicken stock
1 t sea salt
1/4 t ground black pepper
2 6-1/2 oz cans minced or chopped clams
3 T all-purpose flour
3 c half-and-half + milk
2 T chopped parsley
2 T lemon juice

Cook bacon until crisp in a Dutch oven or large, heavy saucepan. Remove bacon to paper towels. Discard all but 1 T bacon fat and add the onions.  Fry slowly until softened (about 10 minutes). Add potatoes, clam juice or stock, bacon, salt, and pepper.  Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat. Add minced clams with their liquid. Whisk flour into milk; add to chowder with half-and-half. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until clam chowder thickens and bubbles (about 3 minutes). Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning. Serves 4.