Thursday, December 29, 2011

Daddy's Clam Chowder

Leave it to me to get sick during my break. I woke up yesterday morning with a stuffed nose and a very sore throat. Lucky for me, regardless of how old I am, I have two parents that will do just about anything to make me feel better.


Years ago I got my dad a cookbook called Dad's Own Cookbook.  It came with blue apron, spoon and of course the cookbook.  Although somewhat below my dad's skill level in the kitchen this book had several really good recipes that were immediately added to our dinner repertoire.  The real find though was the New England Clam Chowder recipe. At the time he received this book we were living in Iowa and each time we ate this chowder we were transported back to Maine.  Over the years he has perfected the recipe with little tweaks here and there.  It is now divinely wonderful.  So good that I for one have trouble ordering clam chowder at restaurants knowing that it probably will not be as good as my dad's.


New England Clam Chowder
From Dad's Own Cookbook

Ingredients:
3 slices of bacon
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and dried
1 C bottle clam juice
2 7 oz canned minced clams
2 C milk
2 C half and half
1 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
pepper, to taste
chopped fresh parsley
oyster crackers

Directions:
1. Place a small frying pan on medium heat and let it get hot.  Add bacon and cook until crisp.  Remove slices to cool and break into small pieces.

2. Put 1 Tbsp of bacon fat into a large stockpot and heat pan on medium heat.  Add the chopped onion and saute, stirring often till soft.   Add the potatoes, bacon pieces, clam juice, and 1 C of water and bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.

3.  Increase heat to medium and add the clams and juice.  Add milk and half and half and bring to a boil.  Immediately reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

4.  In a small bowl mix together butter and flour until completely combined.  Add to soup mix and stir until chowder becomes thick.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Let the chowder come to a boil one more time, then remove it from the heat.  Serve hot and topped with parsley and oyster crackers.



My mom's secret get well trick is a spoonful forkful of lobster.  Hopefully both will do the trick and I will be back to my normal self tomorrow.

10 comments:

  1. Well I do hope you get to feeling better, especially in time to ring in the New Year.
    While people say chicken soup when you feel ill, I am much more apt to pick a thick hearty creamy soup like this. I have not made chowder from scratch and this recipe does look fairly easy. Also, my husband loves this stuff, so I need to make some soon. Great post.

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  2. Mmmm - I love chowder and the lobster topping - Amazing. That would make me feel better immediately.

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  3. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well! I have been feeling a little something brewing myself, ugh! Anyway, I love clam chowder!! This looks delicious!

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  4. I hope you feel better! What a nice gift for your dad and I'm glad that there are treasured recipes in it! Take care of yourself!

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  5. Oh no, I hope you'll get better in time for New Year's Eve!
    This looks incredibly delicious :) I love chowder, and I'm still revving myself up to make my own first attempt at making it.

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  6. We love chowdah! Thanks for sharing the recipe, and we hope you feel better very soon. Happy holidays!!!

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  7. Yup! No matter how old you get, we still think of you as our babies. Your chowder looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Mmm this looks so creamy & delicious! I'm yet to try to make it but I know my boyfriend would be in heaven if I do. Definitely have to try this recipe out! Yum!

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  9. I love this recipe,it's one of my favorites.

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