New England Clam Chowder - fresh clams

Method

• If using fresh clams: Clean well, throw away any broken shells, and soak in a mixture of 1/8 cup corn meal and 1/8 cup of sea salt (non-iodize) with cold water to cover all clams.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Remove and rinse shells into colander.
• Refill bowl with 1/4 cup salt and cold water.
• Add the clams into the clean water and fill with water to cover.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Rinse with fresh water and strain.
• In a large sautee pan, add clam juice and a layer of clams.
• Cover and cook until clams open.
• Discard any clams that do not open.
• Place opened clams in a bowl.
• Remove clams from shells and place in another bowl, cover with foil.
• Save clam juice and add back to sautee pan.
• Add diced potatoes to sautee pan.
• Bring to a boil, then turn to medium and cook until tender.
• If using canned clams: In a saucepan, pour bottle of clam juice and the juice from the canned clams, and chopped potatoes.
• Add some water if needed to cover the potatoes.
• Bring to a boil, then turn to medium.
• Meanwhile, in large saucepan, cook bacon.
• Remove from pot and place on paper towel.
• Turn heat to medium high, add celery, onions, and carrots.
• Make sure to scrap up all the browned bacon bits.
• Add in frozen corn.
• Saute for about 5-10 minutes, then add in the scallions and garlic.
• Cook another 2 minutes.
• Pour in wine and deglaze pan.
• Pour in the potatoes.
• Pull off leaves of thyme and sprinkle in, and season with pepper.
• Let simmer on medium low until the carrots are soft, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Use emersion blender or food processor to blend up soup.
• You can add the clams and bacon in for a very quick spin.
• Then add back to saucepan.
• Turn heat up to medium high and add milk until desired thickness.
• Once it comes to a boil.
• Let cook about 3 -5 minutes.
• Turn heat to low and add cream.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Let simmer 10 minutes.
• Stir well and serve with crusty bread or crackers!