Literary Lunches: One Morning in Maine Clam Chowder

Today my son had an early release day from school.  He also has his first loose tooth!  To celebrate we are having clam chowder for lunch.  While it simmers on the stove we’ll read a book from one of my favorite children’s book authors, One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey.   Sal, the main character also has her first loose tooth!  Enjoy this sweet little story and simple chowder recipe with your little one.

Simple Clam Chowder
Marge Perry, Cooking Light  JANUARY 2008

Ingredients

·         2 bacon slices

·         2 cups chopped onion

·         1 1/4 cups chopped celery  

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

·         2 garlic cloves, minced  

·         6 (6 1/2-ounce) cans chopped clams, undrained  

·         5 cups diced peeled baking potato (about 1 pound)

·         4 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice

·         1 bay leaf

·         3 cups fat-free milk  

·         1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 1/4 ounces)

Preparation

1.     Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; set aside. Add onion, celery, salt, thyme, and garlic to drippings in pan; cook 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

2.     Drain clams, reserving liquid. Add clam liquid, potato, clam juice, and bay leaf to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until potato is tender. Discard bay leaf.

3.     Combine milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add flour mixture to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 12 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add clams; cook 2 minutes. Sprinkle with bacon.