new england clam chowder, cali style

Ingredients For new england clam chowder, cali style

• 2

  yellow onions chopped
• 2

  stalkes of celery chopped
• 1

  red bell pepper chopped or green or yellow, add a little more for color
• 2 clove

  garlic chopped
• 4-6

  sliced thick bacon (reserve grease)
• 2 lbs

  potatoes (your choice red or russet)
• 3 c

  water
• 1 box

  philly cream cheese (generic ok)
• 2 c

  half & half
• 2 can

  chopped clams (sm cans)
• 2

  carrots chopped
• 1/4

  cube of butter (everything is better with butter)
• 1/4 c

  flour
• salt & pepper to taste
• Pinch

  cayenne pepper
• Pinch

  nutmeg