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Cooking Chowder

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-423 -- More Projects »
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While canned clams are OK to use in chowder, fresh clams add an entirely different flavor.
Culinary expert Colleen Miner tells how to make various chowders.
  • Chowder is a soup or stew that is traditionally made from seafood, such as clams or fish, with a base of milk or tomatoes. Other ingredients usually include salt pork, onions and other vegetables such as potatoes.

  • Flour is necessary to thicken chowders. Add the flour to the cream at the beginning of cooking and it will prevent the chowder from curdling and separating.

  • Always use red potatoes in chowders. Regular baking potatoes will become mushy, but the waxy red potato will not.

  • For the creamiest and most flavorful chowder, use cream instead of milk. It takes twice as much milk to give the chowder the same texture as cream, and this extra milk will water down the flavors of the other ingredients.

  • Evaporated skim milk will result in a nice creamy consistency without the fat.

  • Clam chowder can be made with canned or fresh clams, but obviously they will have a different end flavor.

  • If using real clams, add the clam broth to the chowder. Pour the broth through a coffee filter to remove any sediment.

  • Saute the bacon with one large onion, diced, until the onion is soft. Then add two tablespoons of flour and stir for one minute. Slowly add clam juice, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add three medium-size potatoes, diced, one large bay leaf and one teaspoon fresh thyme and cook until tender. Add the minced clams, one cup heavy cream, two tablespoons minced parsley and salt and pepper. Bring the chowder to a simmer, remove from heat, and serve.

  • Refrigerate promptly after serving. If a layer of skin has formed on top of the chowder, remove it. If properly refrigerated, the chowder's flavor will improve. However, it should be eaten within two or three days.
Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-423
•Cooking Chowder
•Removing Household Odors
•Reducing Energy Bills
•Tip of the Day
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