20(ish)--- Kara's Clam Chowder-- For My Valentine

This is my friend Kara's recipe. Kara is another of my running partners/ workout buddies. She is such a bubbly person-- and she will always push me to go the extra mile (in life, my relationships, and with running). AND she is never one to turn down a girl's night out!

This clam chowder recipe is supreme, and a little bit more 80 than your typical clam chowder. I added a few extra veggies and a little bit less half 'n half than Kara's recipe called for.... to help 80-fy it.

Thank you Kara for making my hubby happy! He LOVES clam chowder. When we used to dine out more often, we always had to hit up the good clam chowder places on Friday nights. Now we can have Friday chowder at home!


Clams have a TON of iron! One 3 oz serving (9 small clams) contains 24 mg (18 mg per day is recommended for pre-menopausal women and 8mg per day for adult men and post-menopausal women)! They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.



















Kara's Clam Chowder
Serves 5

24 oz clam juice
1 lb potatoes, cubed into 1/2" pieces
2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
2-3 slices bacon, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, diced
1 medium white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed and minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
6- 6.5 oz cans clams in juice
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup half & half
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tsp Tabasco sauce


In a large pot, bring clam juice to a boil and add potato cubes. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for ~ 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

In a large skillet heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and saute until they begin to brown. Add garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Saute for 6-8 minutes, until softened. Add flour and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for ~2 minutes then add 1 cup of clam juice from potato mixture. Whisk until well combined, and continue to cook for additional 5 minutes.


Add vegetable mixture to pot with potatoes and clam juice. Stir to combine, and add remaining ingredients. Return pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer ~ 15 minutes.


Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!


Nutrition Info (just FYI- not too shabby for clam chowder!) per 1.5 cup serving: 317 calories, 13 g fat, 7 g saturated fat (uh oh), 25 g protein, 27 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber