BACON CLAM CHOWDER

Bacon Clam Chowder image

Chopping the clams into tiny pieces adds big flavor to this full-bodied chowder from Betty Lineaweaver. "Everyone says it's the best they've ever tasted," she writes from her Paradise, California home. "I like to serve it with garlic bread or a side salad."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
Dash cayenne pepper
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine the first six ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-12 minutes or until potato is tender., Meanwhile, drain clams, reserving juice. Place clams in a small food processor; process until finely chopped., In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cream until smooth; stir into pan. Add reserved clam juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until soup is thickened. Stir in butter, cayenne and clams; heat through. Top servings with bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 416mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges