-----LIZ JONES VXRF36B----- 6 slices Bacon -- cut crosswise 1/2"pc

1 Large onion -- finely chopped

14 ounces Canned minced clams -- drained

liquid reserved 2 Potatoes;(6oz ea) pared -- and cubed (2 cups)

2 cans Cream of celery soup

3 cups Milk

1/8 teaspoon Pepper

1. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to paper toweling to drain. Coarsley chop bacon and set aside. 2. Carefully pour off all but 1 Tablespoon of the bacon fat. Add the onion to the Dutch oven; cook over medium-low heat until tender and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the reserved liquid from the clams and the potatoes. Lower heat; simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. 3. Add the celery soup, milk and pepper to the Dutch oven. Gently heat through; do not boil. Stir in the reserved clams and bacon. Gently heat through. Serve the chowder immediately.

Family Circle 6/92 *