AUNT HELEN'S MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER
6 slices bacon, diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 large potatoes, diced
1 bottle clam juice (8 ounces)
20 fresh clam or 2 cans (8 ounces each) minced clams
1 pound tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Saute the bacon and onion together. Add the potatoes and clam juice. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Dtir in the clams, with juice, if using canned, and tomatoes. Simmer until bubbly and sseason with with salt, pepper to taste, and thyme.
Yields: 4 - 6 servings