Clam Chowder

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Clam Chowder

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes • Serves: 8

6slices smoked bacon
3 medium celery ribs, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
1/2medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/4cup all-purpose flour
4 cans (6.5 ounces each) minced clams, drained and liquid reserved
1 cup less-sodium chicken broth
4 medium red potatoes (about 1-3/4 pounds), unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
3/4cup half and half, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4teaspoon salt
1/2teaspoon ground black pepper
Hot sauce, to taste
Fresh chopped curly parsley for garnish (optional)
Oyster crackers for serving (optional)

1.In large saucepot, cook bacon over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble.

2.Remove and discard all but 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in saucepot. To drippings, add celery and onion; cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until onion begins to soften, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in reserved clam juice and broth. Add potatoes and heat to simmering. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 8 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender, stirring occasionally.

3.Stir in half and half and clams; cook 10 minutes longer or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in Worcestershire, salt, pepper and bacon. Add hot sauce to taste. Makes about 8 cups.

4.Garnish with parsley and serve with crackers, if desired.

Approximate nutritional values per serving:  
215 Calories, 8g Fat (4g Saturated), 25mg Cholesterol,
963mg Sodium, 26g Carbohydrates, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein