Submitted by Susan Nga Tran

About the cook: I am a mother to two young boys. I always cook more than our family of four can eat. I love potlucks because it gives me a chance to use my friends and family as taste testers for new recipes or revised recipes; definitely no objections to them. My goal is to open up a kitchen so that I can share my food with the public. Good comfort food.

About the dish: A family favorite anytime of the year. This is my own version of a classic.

National Origin: United States

Serves: 12

Estimated Time: 1 to 2 Hours

Ingredients:

(Adjust recipe if you are making a smaller batch)
2 or 4 bags of real bacon bits- (75g or 2.5oz x4) or (250g or 9oz x2)
2.5 large white onions, chopped
3 tablespoons of minced garlic
7 big white/yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
3-5 tablespoons of chicken stock granules
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of black or white pepper
2 tablespoon of onion powder
2 tablespoon of garlic powder
1-1.5 bags of instant mashed potatoes- butter or garlic (181g or 4oz)
2 sticks or 4 half sticks of salted butter (226g or 8oz)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1-1.5 bags of frozen corn (453g or 16oz)
5 bags of frozen cooked clams, chopped (300g) or 5 cans drained clams (397g or 14oz)

Preparation:

Directions
– In a large stock pot- over medium heat- sautee onions in butter and oil. Cook until onions are tender.
– Add the garlic and real bacon bits- sautee.
– Add the chopped clams- sautee
– Add the corn and potatoes- cook for about 5 minutes
– Add water to the stock pot- approx 3⁄4 of the pot full
– Let boil on medium heat for about 25 minutes or until potatoes are cooked.
– Slowly add your instant mashed potatoes- stir the pot as you add the mix.
Start with half a bag and decide how thick you want the chowder- more mix
means thicker chowder.
– Let simmer for about 10 minutes- stirring often. (reduce burning ingredients
at the bottom of the pot)
– Add the chicken stock granules- add according to your taste preference. (Just
remember that your instant mashed potatoes has salt and seasoning already)
– Add salt and pepper and onion and garlic seasonings to finalize the taste
– Let simmer for about 10 minutes- stirring often. (reduce burning ingredients
at the bottom of the pot)
SERVE AND ENJOY!!

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