Perfect for a Snowy Big Bear Afternoon
I stocked up before I holed up in my isolated mountain cabin. OK it's in a resort area with lots of neighbors. It feels isolated when the snow is coming down and building up. One thing I knew would hit the spot would be my mom's clam chowder. We had a few snowy days back in Bellevue and she'd make cheese crackers to go with the chowder. I remember my grandpa bringing home some freshly dug clams once. That didn't turn out too well...
Here's the recipe I made just for me:
1 potato
1/2 onion
3 slices of bacon (I used center cut)
1 can of clams
1/2 cup milk
Dice bacon and cook until crispy. Drain bacon pieces and reserve a teaspoon (or two) to cook onions.
Dice onions and cook in reserved bacon drippings.
I take them from the pan but you can just leave them in with the potatoes while they cook. Peel and chop potatoes. Cover with water in saucepan and cook until tender.
Add milk. I suppose you could use cream or make a roux to thicken it but mom's was thin and it has fewer calories so that's good. Add the clams and heat until just bubbly around edges. Stir in onions and bacon before serving.