The Chart House Clam Chowder (Copycat) Including Spice Blend - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients
1 slice hickory smoked bacon, minced
1/2 teaspoon butter
1 cup onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon seasoning (see spice blend recipe below)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can clams
1 cup bottled clam juice
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled and diced
Ingredients for The Cliff House Spice Blend
4 teaspoons oregano
4 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons marjoram
2 teaspoons dill
4 teaspoons thyme
4 teaspoons basil
1 teaspoon sage
4 teaspoons rosemary
2 teaspoons tarragon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Preparation

Directions for The Chart House Spice Blend:.
Blend ingredients, crushing in a mortar if possible. Store in a resealable plastic bag to refrigerate.
For the Clam Chowder:.
In a heavy-bottomed, 4-pint soup kettle, saute bacon, butter, onion, garlic and The Cliff House Spice Blend over low heat. Do not allow to brown.
Drain clams and set aside, reserving the juice. Slowly stir the flour and clam juices in the saute mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add half and half and simmer 20 minutes.
Add white pepper, potatoes and clams. Heat to serving temperature. Do not allow to boil, as this toughens the clams. Serve at once with crackers and warm cornbread.