Classic Clam Chowder

Name: Classic Clam Chowder
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice; 1 large onion, cut into medium dice; 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 2 bay leaves; 1.5 cups leftover mashed potatoes; 2 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice; 4 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams (clams and juice separated); 1 cup water; 9 new potatoes, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson from allrecipes.com

Dinner

Ingredients

8 servings

•

2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice
•

1 large onion, cut into medium dice
•

0.5 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
•

2 bay leaves
•

1.5 cups leftover mashed potatoes
•

2 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice

•

4 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams (clams and juice separated)
•

1 cup water
•

9 new potatoes, cut into 1/2 -inch cubes
•

0.5 cup heavy cream
•

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
•

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large soup kettle, fry bacon over medium heat until bacon crisps, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon; set aside.
Keep 2 tablespoons bacon fat in pan. (If necessary, add oil to yield 2 tablespoons.) Add onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add thyme and bay leaves; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds or so.
Whisk in mashed potatoes, clam juice (bottled and what you've drained from the clams) and 1 cup of water. Add new potatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat; continue to simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in clams, cream and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
Heat through and serve, garnishing each bowl with reserved bacon.