CREAMY CANADIAN CLAM CHOWDER

Steps:

• Pan-fry bacon in a medium heavy skillet over moderate heat until crisp. Drain and crumble bacon; set aside.
• Add onion and celery to pan and sauté over moderate heat until tender but not brown. In a large heavy saucepan, combine onions, celery, drained potatoes, chicken bouillon, clam juice and enough water to cover potatoes.
• Cook, partially covered, over moderate heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are crisp tender.
• Stir in 2 cups milk; simmer another 5 minutes and add seasonings to taste.
• Reduce heat; add clams until they are heated through.
• Combine the rest of the milk and flour, blending until smooth; stir mixture into chowder.
• Heat chowder over low to moderate heat, stirring constantly, until chowder is bubbly hot and slightly thickened.
• Add cooked bacon.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• If possible refrigerate chowder, covered, for 24 hours to develop flavors.