Christmas Eve Clam Chowder

Christmas Eve Clam Chowder- with bacon!

INGREDIENTS:

• 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!