"Best Seafood Chowder Recipe..."
INGREDIENTS
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8-10 bacon strips (divided)
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2 Tbsp. butter
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2 celery ribs (chopped)
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1 leek (finely chopped)
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1 large onion (chopped)
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2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
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3-4 small potatoes (red potatoes or Yukon gold, peeled and cubed)
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2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
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2 8 ounce bottles clam juice
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1 tsp white pepper
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp dried thyme
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2/3 cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups half-and-half (divided)
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3 cans (6-1/2 ounces each, of whole clams, chopped into chunky pieces, drained)
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6 oz salad shrimp (bay shrimp)
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6 oz crabmeat (shredded)
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Bay leaf
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1-2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
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Chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)