new england clam chowder, cali style

Ingredients

• 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 cloves garlic chopped
• 4-6 - sliced thick bacon (reserve grease)
• 2 lbs - potatoes (your choice red or russet)
• 3 cups water
• 1 box philly cream cheese (generic ok)
• 2 cups half & half
• 2 cans chopped clams (sm cans)
• 2 - carrots chopped
• 1/4 - cube of butter (everything is better with butter)
• 1/4 cup flour
• - salt & pepper to taste
• Pinch - cayenne pepper
• Pinch - nutmeg