Quick Clam Chowder

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 2 cans (6-*1/2 ounces each) chopped clams

Directions

1. Put bacon in a large pot and cook on medium heat.
2. When bacon is crisp, add onion and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes (lower heat if onions appear to be burning).
3. Sprinkle onion with flour and stir. Add salt, pepper and clam juice gradually, stirring to work out lumps. Add potatoes and milk. Cover and cook 20 minutes, or until potatoes are done. Add clams and heat through. Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve with crackers or rolls and raw vegetables.

recipe from: The Arizona Republic, 3/21/04