Clam Chowder

### Instructions:

**1. Cook the Bacon**
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot. This bacon adds a savory depth of flavor to the chowder.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the bacon fat. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

**3. Add the Potatoes and Clam Juice**
Once the vegetables are tender, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in the clam juice (or seafood stock) and the reserved clam liquid from the cans. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

**4. Make the Roux**
While the potatoes are simmering, in a separate small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour to the butter and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden and slightly bubbly. This creates a roux that will help thicken the chowder.

**5. Combine the Roux with the Soup**
Once the potatoes are tender, slowly add the roux to the pot with the simmering vegetables. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to thicken. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

**6. Add the Clams and Dairy**
Add the drained clams to the pot, followed by the heavy cream and milk. Stir to incorporate and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the clams to warm through without overcooking. The cream and milk create the signature richness of the chowder, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.

**7. Season and Serve**
Taste the chowder and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a thicker chowder, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash more milk or clam juice to reach your desired consistency. Once everything is well-seasoned and heated through, ladle the chowder into bowls, garnish with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

### Tips for Perfect Clam Chowder:
– **Clams:** For the best flavor, use fresh clams when available, or you can opt for high-quality canned clams. If you’re using fresh clams, steam them open, remove the meat, and chop it before adding it to the chowder.
– **Bacon:** The bacon provides essential flavor, so don’t skip it! You can also use pancetta if you prefer a different kind of cured meat.
– **Thickening the Chowder:** If you like a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup to your desired consistency.
– **Dairy:** You can adjust the amount of heavy cream and milk depending on how creamy you want the chowder. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even evaporated milk.
– **Make it Ahead:** Clam chowder often tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together. If you plan to make it ahead, simply reheat gently before serving.

### Why You’ll Love This Classic Clam Chowder:

This *Clam Chowder* is everything you want in a comfort food: creamy, savory, and loaded with flavors. The bacon adds a smoky richness, the vegetables offer sweetness and texture, and the tender clams provide a briny pop that elevates the entire dish. Whether you serve it with a warm piece of crusty bread, crackers, or just on its own, this chowder is a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can add extra ingredients like corn or leeks, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or even top it with shredded cheese for a decadent finish. No matter how you enjoy it, this *Clam Chowder* recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

So the next time you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and full of flavor, try making this delicious, homemade clam chowder. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a bowl of warmth and satisfaction that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version!