Clam Chowder From The Drake Hotel Chicago Recipes

CLAM CHOWDER FROM THE DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO

Steps:

• To prepare stock, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 3-quart stockpot. Skim off foam. Add carrots, onion, celery and crushed peppercorns. Saute until vegetables soften. Stir in wine, fish stock and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil. Scrub clams. Add to pot. Cover; simmer for about 10 minutes or until clams open.
• Remove clams from pot with a slotted spoon. Pull out meat from clams. Chop meat; set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
• Strain stock; set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
• To prepare chowder: In another 3-quart stockpot, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add celery, onion and potato. Saute until vegetables soften. Stir in clam stock, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped clam meat. Cook over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
• In a separate saucepan, melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Gradually stir in flour to form a light paste, or roux. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk roux into chowder. Let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken.
• Remove from heat. Stir in cream.

CONTEST-WINNING NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside. Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes., In a small bowl, combine flour and 1 cup half-and-half until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes., Stir in clams and remaining half-and-half; heat through (do not boil). Crumble the cooked bacon; sprinkle over each serving.

MY BEST CLAM CHOWDER

Steps:

• Drain juice from clams into a large skillet over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until tender.
• Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.
• Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.