New England Clam Chowder

When I told my children that I am going to cook 'chowder' as their lunch.  Their expression are like '  Huh?  What is that?  Haha.... That is exactly like I 1st came across this hearty meal at a cooking demo at 1 Utama recently.  After the demo, I told myself , must prepare this chowder for my family.  
More details explanation on chowder at wikipedia.

What makes a chowder a chowder, and not just a soup? Chowders originally contained some seafood, but today the definition seems broader. A chowder can be any thick, rich soup with chunks of ingredients in it. Potatoes, onions, milk or cream, flour (as a roux to thicken) and clams are common ingredients, but not mandatory. Corn chowders are almost as popular as clam chowders.
Anyone can make a chowder, and unlike meat stews or chiles, chowders don't simmer for great lengths of time on the stove (although it does take time to make a fresh stock, or you can use bottled clam juice ). These thick, hearty soups are filling enough to serve in small mugs, accompanied by oyster crackers or crusty bread, a simple green salad.
So, by now, I hope you're cheering  for chowders. Below is a  super chowder-bowl recipes while you enjoy  your favorite TV shows.

 Bought the clam from Jusco Supermarket, or you may opt for the canned type

 Others ingredients includes  big onion, potatoes, carrot  and etc.......

Ingredients:~ 

Recipe adapted from Marina's blog

• 1 1/2 tbsp of butter
• 1  chopped big onions ( the white type of big onion)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup of water (or chicken stock)
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled  cleaned and cubed
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2  cup cream
• 1 cup clams, cleaned (Steam for 10 mins if using fresh clams)

Method

1. Melt butter in a pan.
2. Saute  the onions till aroma and transparent.
3. Put in the flour & stir till combined.
4. Pour in the water gradually, then put in the cubed potatoes and carrot.
5. Season with salt & pepper.
6. Cook covered on medium fire for 15 minutes or till potatoes are done.
7. Reduce the heat and pour in the milk & cream.
8. Lastly, put in the clams and cook for a further 5 minutes.
9. Do not allow the Clam Chowder to boil. Just allow it to heat through.
10. Serve with bread or  crackers.