Fish Chowder

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (your choice...such as dill, tarragon, or thyme)
• 1/4 lb bacon, diced small
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cups diced red potatoes, scrubbed, but not peeled
• 4 cups bottled clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 lbs cod, cut into 2-inch pieces (or other flaky whitefish)
• salt, to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   If the herbs are still on their stems, strip them off the stems and chop the leaves; set aside.

2. 2

   In a heavy-bottomed large saucepan or stockpot over low to medium heat, brown the bacon. Add the diced onions and saute until translucent. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, stirring often to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking. Add the bottled clam juice and simmer for a few minutes.

3. 3

   About 15 minutes before serving, add the cream, milk, and fish pieces to the hot broth; heat through to scalding, but do NOT boil. Stir gently so as not to break up the fish too much. Add the salt, pepper, and the chopped fresh herbs, to taste.

4. 4

   Garnish each serving of chowder with a sprinkle of chopped chives.