New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 8 oz cans minced clams
• 3 slices bacon cut in 12-inch pieces
• 14 c chopped onion
• 14 c chopped celery
• 1 12 c diced cooked potatoes
• 1 12 tsp salt
• 18 tsp pepper
• 18 tsp thyme
• 3 c milk
• 2 Tbsp butter

Directions

1. Drain clams reserve 1 cup liquid
2. Fry bacon in skillet until almost crisp
3. Add onion and celery
4. Saute until tender drain Combine bacon mixture potatoes clam liquid salt pepper and thyme in large saucepan
5. Simmer 10 minutes
6. Add milk and clams Heat thoroughly
7. Do not boil
8. Top each serving with 1 teaspoon butter
9. Makes 6 servings