Clam Chowder

2c finely chopped celery

1lg onion finely chopped

1lg carrot finely chopped

1/4c butter

Saute' these together until translucent, then add:

3c peeled-diced potatoes

½t smokey sea salt

fresh ground pepper

1-2c water

Simmer until vegetables are softening a little. Then add: clam juice (and juice and zest of ½ lemon - optional). Cover and simmer until potatoes are almost cooked then add:

2 6.5oz cans minced clams

1-2c half & half

1-2T powdered chicken bullion (if needed)

If this mixture is too thin, make a roux of 2T flour and a little water. Stir quickly until smooth then add to the simmering soup. Check flavor, adding a little more chicken soup base or smokey sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Heat to a low simmer and serve with saltines, oyster crackers, crusty French or Italian bread. . .Lin