Red Lobster's Clam Chowder

2 1/2 cups water
three 6.5-ounce cans minced clams (plus liquid)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
dash ground thyme
2 white or red potatoes, peeled and diced
(not russet or yellow potatoes)
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:1. Combine water and liquid drained from all 3 cans of clams in a large saucepan. Stir in flour, parsley, salt, bay leaf and thyme. Turn to medium heat.
2. When water begins to bubble, add the potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir often to keep the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Add the clams to the saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add the cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Watch the pan carefully to be sure the chowder doesn't bubble over. Turn down the heat if the soup begins to erupt. (http://www.topsecretrecipes.com)
Makes 5 servings.

Tidbits
Some brands of canned clams seem to be saltier than others. Depending on the saltiness of the clams you choose, you may want to add a bit more salt. Start with an additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt if you find the soup on the bland side.

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Seafood Chowder La Mer

Serves/Makes:Serves 12

2 cups (475 ml) lobster meat
1 lb (.5 kg). monk fish fillets
1/2 cup (125 ml) onion, chopped
1/2 cup (125 ml) butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) flour
4 cups (950 ml) potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup (225 ml) of water
1 lb (.5 kg). scallops
4 cups (950 ml) sour cream
3 cups (700 ml) milk
pinch of white pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste)
1 lb (.5 kg). clams, steamed and shucked

Instructions:If frozen, thaw lobster, reserving lobster liquor.
Remove any bits of shell or cartilage and cut into bite-size pieces.
Debone fish fillets and cut into small pieces, set aside.
In a heavy saucepan saut onions in butter until tender.
Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
Add potatoes and enough water to cover, bring to a boil, cook until tender.
Add fish and scallops and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice.
Add sour cream, milk, lobster, lobster liquor, clams, and seasonings.
Heat gently and serve.

Comments
Note: Clam Juice is an acceptable liquid to use in place of the lobster liqour and to fortify the water with even more flavor. I have used a combination of chicken stock and clam juice as a fortified "water" in this recipe with great results. This recipe is so hearty and satisfying in and of itself that a simple stick of french bread and fresh butter will cap off this recipe as a delectible meal. Try adding light fruits for dessert to cleanse the palate and a glass of your favorite crisp white wine.

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