New England Clam Chowder - Super Bowl Menu

I realize this is down to the last minute, but here it is, I finalized my menu for game day. Tomorrow. Wow... that is calling it close. This is a pitch-in super bowl party, so there will be a lot of other great foods on the table too. Here's what I'm taking to the party...

1. Chipotle dip
2. 7 layer bean dip
3. Tortilla chips
4. lil' smokies
5. Buffalo wings
6. 4' sub sliced into individual slices - from our local sub-shop

And because I'm all for the New England Patriots continuing with their winning season, I'm also making up a big pot of New England style clam chowder. Now if the Seahawks were still in the game, it would have to be a pot of Ivar's clam chowder!

New England style Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb smokey bacon cut into small pieces
• 1 cup onion diced
• 1/2 cup celery diced
• 2 (5 oz ) cans baby clams
• 7 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (10 1/2 oz each) cream of celery soup
• 1 cup cream
• 1 cup half and half
• butter
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions

• In your soup pot, cook bacon until it's crispy
• Add the onion and celery, cook until it's translucent
• Add the juice from both cans of clams
• Add potatoes
• Cover and cook until the potatoes are done. Stir occasionally to keep the potatoes from sticking.
• Add soup, and cream and half & half. Stir completely.
• Add the clams and butter.
• Cover and continue cooking over medium low heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn't scorch.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe can easily be doubled.

What I love about a super bowl party, and the menu, is how laid back everyone is on game day. It all equals up to good entertainment, good food, and good company... it doesn't get much better.

Go Patriots!