Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 medium size carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium celery ribs, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 12 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced and pressed
  • 1 12 lbs red potatoes, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice
  • 8 (6 1/2 ounce) canschopped clams
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 12 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 12 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 12 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 14 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • 4 cups whipping cream (half & half)
  • salt

Method

  • In a 6 to 8 quart pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp,.
  • remove from pan & drain.
  • Set aside, discard all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
  • Add carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper and garlic to drippings, cook until onions are tender.
  • Add potatoes and vegetables to mixture along with the clam juice.
  • Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Stir in clams w/ liquid, bay leaf, hot pepper seasoning, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cream and bacon.
  • Heat until steaming, season with salt.
  • Serve with oyster crackers.