Yummy Clam Chowder!

Okay, this is seriously one of my favorite things to make. I LOVE clam chowder! (And not to brag, but I'm really good at making this!)

Ingredients:
2 6oz. cans minced clams*
1 cup onion, chopped finely
1 cup celery, chopped finely
2 cups potatoes, chopped finely**
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1 qt half & half
1 tsp vinegar
1-2 tsp sugar
1-1/2 tsp salt
Few grains pepper

* Make sure to get minced clams, not chopped. Well, I supposed you could get chopped, but only do that if you really like clams. I'm not a huge fan of the texture of clams, so I liked minced better.
** I don't chop the potatoes finely because I like chunks of potato, but that's just me. And also, because I just love potatoes, I use a lot more than just 2 cups. I'm not sure how much I use. I basically just eyeball it.

Instructions:

Drain juice from clams and pour over vegetables in medium saucepan.
(But don't include the clams in this step- just the juice!)
Add enough water to barely cover vegetables. 

Simmer, uncovered over medium heat,
until potatoes are barely tender, about 20 minutes.

(After cooking the vegetables, you can let them sit in the pan until you're ready to finish cooking the soup.)

At mealtime, melt butter, add flour and blend and cook a minute or two.

Add cream and cook and stir until smooth and thick, using a wire whisk to blend.
(This can sometimes take awhile. Just make sure it's thick before moving on to the next step.)

This step is critical: Have a very cute baby "assist" you in the kitchen.

My little chef's assistant. :)

Add undrained vegetables and clams. Heat through.
Season with salt, sugar, vinegar and pepper.

Enjoy!

A word of warning: I've been eating really well the last few days, but I couldn't help but eat a huge bowl of this soup. So be aware. It's that yummy!