Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is so good on a cold rainy day. And that is exactly how today turned out. So I made this wonderful clam chowder and brought in a little warmth for the day. I found this recipe in the relish insert that comes in the paper once a month. It is really easy and so very good.

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup butter 
1/2 onion, diced 
2 stalks celery, diced 
1/2 cup flour 
1 teaspoon dried thyme 
1 teaspoon minced garlic 
8 (6 1/2-ounce) cans clams, with juice 
2 cups cooked diced potatoes 
1 quart half-and-half 
3 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled 
1 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
3 dashes Tabasco

Instructions:

1. Melt butter. Add onions, garlic, thyme and celery. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add flour; cook, stirring, 5 minutes.
2. Add clams and clam juice. Cook over medium-low heat 20 to 30 minutes. Do not boil.
3. Add potatoes and half-and-half. Heat to 170 degrees. Do not boil.
4. Add bacon, salt, pepper and Tabasco. Makes 2 quarts.

Recipe by Chef Will Leroux.

Read more: http://relish.com/recipes/clam-chowder-from-chef-will-leroux/#ixzz2HFCJc0i9

Ultimate nachos

For New Year's Eve I wanted something different. I thought about a few things I could make but I settled on nachos. At first, the nachos were just going to be a snack, then I decided to make them a meal. And they turned out great!

Ingredients:
1 lb hamburger
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 jar salsa
1 bag shredded cheese
1 bag tortilla chips

green onion, cut in small pieces (optional)

Garnish with sour cream and guacamole.

Brown the hamburger and let drain very well. Saute the onion and bell pepper and let drain.Cover a pizza pan or cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Layer the tortillas on the pizza pan or cookie sheet. Spread the hamburger over the tortillas. Next, add the onion and bell pepper over the hamburger. Then, the salsa and cheese. Garnish with the green onion, if desired. Put in the oven on 350 until the cheese is melted.

These nachos were excellent, but I think I'm going to add mushrooms when I make them again.