Place the bacon in a large pot and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pot and set the bacon aside. Stir the potatoes and celery into the bacon fat, season with the salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes, while stirring frequently.
Pour the juice from the clams into the pot, and add enough water to just cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low heat, cover and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Gently stir the leek soup mix into the potatoes then gently stir in the clams, reserved bacon, and half and half. Cook, while stirring, until the chowder comes to a simmer and thickens, about 10 minutes. Serve garnished with oyster crackers.
By Deeli from Richland, WA
Related: 
Clam Chowder Recipes
By
11/08/2010
Thanks for commenting, Karifl! That's interesting that you have made this very exact same recipe. I can't remember where I found the original recipe either, but I do remember that it was last year and that I made at least one change to it. If I remember correctly it was using celery instead of mushrooms, or maybe it was carrots, because I couldn't stand the flavor of whichever one it was the first time I tried it. You should try yours with celery next time. :-)
By
11/05/2010
I have made this exact recipe. Don't know if I got the recipe here or on another recipe site. Any way, it is the best! Easy too!
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
