Christmas Eve Clam Chowder- with bacon!
- 1 package of uncured bacon
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 celery hearts
- 1/2 large red onion
- 2 bottles clam juice
- 2-3 lb fresh wild clams
- 3c organic whole milk
- 3T heavy whipping cream (or plain yogurt in a pinch)
- 1/4c thyme leaves (stripped)
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS:
- Chop sweet potatoes and add to a pot of cool water; simmer until just soft; drain and set aside
- Cook bacon in a large dutch oven until crispy, drain on a paper towel
- Reserve some of the bacon grease for another use (I suggest with eggs!) but leave a fair amount in the bottom of the dutch oven for softening the veggies
- Chop all the veggies into small pieces
- Heat remaining bacon grease in dutch oven and soften garlic, onion, and celery
- When soft, add sweet potatoes and clam juice-- deglaze the bottom of the dutch oven
- Add clams
- On low heat, add milk and cream/yogurt; slowly bring to a simmer
- Season to taste, add thyme leaves
- Scoop into bowls, top with crumbled bacon, more thyme, and black pepper
- Serve with crackers!
