Manhattan Clam Chowder

"I loved this recipe, but I modified it slightly because I thought it was too bland at first (I tasted it after it came to a boil). I cooked 4 slices of bacon (as per another reviewer suggestion), and..." See more then I sauteed the onion, green pepper, and a bit of garlic in the grease. I did everything else according to the recipe, only I added a bit of Worcestershire (maybe 2 tsp.), about 1/4 cup sherry, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (all to taste). My husband and I couldn't get enough. I still gave the recipe a 5 because it really is so simple, and the base is still good but easily modified to taste."

"This is similar to my old Pa's recipe, but he always started with frying 4 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble & reserve the bacon, use the bacon grease to fry the onion & peppers, then proceed as th..." See moree recipe states. Like another reviewer, Pop used clam juice (or started by boiling the clam shells to make the broth)too, rather than water. (I have recently found clam base, which is very effective. Adjust salt if you use this.) He also added 2 well rounded TBSP of paprika - add the crumbled bacon to the soup at the end. This chowder blew out at his restaurant - you'll see why!"

"I generally prefer Boston clam chowder but since I didn't have many of the ingredients I opted for this one and BOY, am I glad I did! I followed previous reviewer with the bacon idea but about half t..." See morehe paprika. Also since the only suitable bread I had was a couple days past its best, I turned it into croutons, frying in the same bacon grease. I only had canned clams and yellow rather than green pepper and only a little green onions so I added regular onions. This was a HUGE HIT with my husband. He raved and raved about it. Thanks a million for the ideas and input!"