January 15, 2012

Grandma Parker's Clam Chowder

I grew up eating this clam chowder.  It is my Grandma's recipe that my mom used to make for us and surprisingly, as a kid, I really liked it.  You wouldn't think a kid would like clams, but all of my siblings liked this soup too.  We used to eat it with saltine crackers, but now a days, I serve it with sliced french bread.  I love to serve bread with all of my soups!  It makes for such a hearty meal.  

Now, neither Grandma or Mom served this with bacon.  That is my addition!  Bacon makes everything better.  It still tastes perfectly delicious without bacon, but I had some in my freezer that needed used up and I absolutely loved the extra flavor it added.  
Clam Chowder
from: Grandma Parker

2 c. potatoes, peeled and diced
1 c. celery, diced
1 c. onion, diced (I use less)
2 cans minced clams
1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. flour
1 qt. half-and-half
salt and pepper

My additions:
a few strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
a little italian seasoning

Place diced vegetables in a large pot and add just enough water to cover them.  Drain the clams and add the juice to the pot of vegetables.  Cook for about 20 minutes or until tender.  While that is cooking, melt margarine in a separate saucepan; add flour and stir to form a paste and cook for a few minutes.  Slowly add the cream and mix with a wire whisk until thickened.  Stir in the drained clams.  Stir cream mixture into pot with vegetables; season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Cook until thickened.  Do not boil.  Stir in some italian seasoning and top with bacon, if adding and serve with saltine crackers or sliced french bread.    

Jenn's Notes: No notes today.  This is a tried-and-true recipe that always turns out delicious.   

6 comments:

  1. looks soooo delicious!! would love to have a bowl right now :)

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  2. Looks delish! It's on my menu list, thanks for sharing :)

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  3. Clam chowder has to be one of my favorite soups. hanks for sharing yours!

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  4. I love Clam Chowder soup, one of my favs, never had it with bacon on top. Love bacon. Thanks for sharing a family recipe with us and sharing you recipe inspiration at Sunday's Best!

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  5. You have a lot of Grandma's recipes...I should get some from you. She was a great cook :)

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  6. I'm probably a lot older than you, but MY mom made her clam chowder just like this...WITH the bacon! Bet your grandma and my mom were close in age! Thanks for the happy memories. Now....do I have any clams......?

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