Chowder

So, my husband wanted clam chowder tonight. I was maybe going to be going to my grandma's, so I decided to put it together during quiet time. Boy am I glad I did. It took me twice as long as it usually does! AHHH. First, I had cut all my veggies, and I found that I had no clams, so then I decided to use bacon and use the grease for my white sauce. Well, frying bacon just takes a lot longer than opening a can of clams. Then, I got out my milk and realized I only had like 3 cups of milk, so I had to use powdered milk for at least half of the sauce...wow, what a pain! Oh well, its done now and I hope it tastes ok. Here's the original recipe with my usual changes:

2 6 oz. cans minced or chopped clams
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
2 c. chopped potatoes
(I add abt. 1 c. chopped carrots too)

3/4 c. butter (I use 1/4 c.)
1/2 -3/4 c. flour (I use 1/4 c.)
4 c. (1 quart) half and half, or 1 can evaporated milk + milk to = 1 quart
(I've actually started just using regular milk and I add cornstarch to thicken in place of the butter and flour)

1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2. tsp. sugar

Cut veggies and put in sauce pan. Drain clam juice over veggies. (If I'm doing my low-fat version, I sometimes buy clam juice to add for even more flavor) Add enough water to barely cover. Simmer covered over med. heat until potatoes (and carrots) are tender (appx. 15-20 min)

Meanwhile, melt butter over med. heat, add flour and blend. Add cream (or milk and cornstarch) and stir until smooth and thick over med-high heat, using wire whisk. Add undrained veggies and clams and heat through. Season with salt, pepper, sugar (and I add parsley sometimes) to taste.

I also added a drained can of corn at the end. Well, I think my variation will taste ok. I've got it in my slow cooker on 1 1/2 (which is about keep warm in a crockpot), and it seems to be doing fine!
Other versions, include ham, corn, cheese, etc. My mom usually does ham or corn because I have picky siblings who hate clams, I don't have that problem. My girls love the chewiness, they think its like gum!!! HAHAHA.