New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder

4 strips of bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 ribs of celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons butter
3 Tablespoons flour, or 6 saltine crackers crushed
Salt & Pepper
2 cups clam juice
½ cup water
3 bay leaves
Clams, as many as you want
2 large potatoes, cubed
2 cups milk, warmed

1. In a large pot cook bacon until crisp, remove and set aside.
2. Discard all but 2 Tablespoons of bacon fat.
3. Add butter, celery, onion, sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Season with Salt & pepper.
5. Sprinkle flour over veggies, cook for 3 minutes.
6. Pour in clam juice and water.
7. Add potatoes and bay leaves, bring to boil.
8. Lower heat to medium, simmer for 15 minutes.
9. Drain clams, add to chowder and simmer 4 minutes.
10. Add warm milk to chowder, heat for 5 minutes.