With yet another Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl coming our way this weekend, I’ve been trying to plan a dish that can not only feed and please a crowd, but could also provide some warmth and a little comfort given the recent drop in temperatures and uptick in snowstorms here in the Northeast over the past few days. Nobody wants to brave the bitter cold and icy roads to attend a Super Bowl party only to eat chilled dishes or dips!
Luckily, my friend and podcast co-host, Stef, recently served a classic New England clam chowder she’d made from scratch for a recording session we’d scheduled together, and she was kind enough to share the recipe. This one is so good that you can prepare it and enjoy it any time – not just on game day!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
4 SERVINGS:
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 medium russet potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 4 cup chicken stock
- 8 ounce bottle clam juice
- 2 cups heavy cream or half and half, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- (2) 6.5 ounce cans chopped clams (undrained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. Boil potatoes in a separate pot with water, cook till soft
2. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cook bacon over medium-high heat until browned, about 7 minutes.
3. Leaving the bacon grease in the pot with the bacon, add onion and garlic. cook till soft and fragrant. Add celery and carrots, and cook until softened – about 5 minutes.
4. Stir chicken stock, clams with clam juice, and additional clam juice and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of the half and half and flour. Whisk until smooth. Slowly stir into the soup and return to a simmer. Cook 2-3 minutes or until thickened
6. Add the remaining half and half and cook 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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This was such a creamy and delicious chowder, with so much flavor in each bite. Stef made sure to serve this one with some oyster crackers that were made right around the corner from her farm for the full New England experience – and I easily could have had seconds!
And while I don’t have any bets one way or the other for this year’s big game, I know this chowder is going to be a big hit with whoever tries a serving – so I could always put a little money on that outcome, instead!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 