Once again the seasons are upon us. Where does the time go. Soon we'll be off to cut the tree again.

The air is crisp and the falling leaves remind us of the close of yet another year gone by. This is perhaps my favorite time of year. I thought some of you may want to enjoy a hot cup of chowder, so I am posting my famous (at least that's what I've been told) recipe. If we don't see you this holiday season, we hope that the blessings and goodness of the season will fill your hearts and warm the lives of those with whom you will share it. God bless.

Clam Chowder

Ingredients

1 Qt. half & half

1 ½ sticks butter

½ cup flower (3/4 cup if you want it really thick)

2 cups potatoes

1 cup celery

1 cup onion (your choice)

2 cans of minced clams (or one can of corn)

2 table spoons red wine vinegar

Step one:

Peal potatoes and cube (bite size)

Chop celery and onion – dice

Place in a large pot (gallon and a half), cover veggies with water and boil

Step two:

While you are boiling the veggies, put the butter in a sauce pan and begin to heat. Melt the butter and slowly mix the flower into the butter. It will get very thick, very fast. Once the flower is all mixed into the butter, stat to mix in the Half & Half a little at a time. Mix it in and let it thicken with the butter and flower a little at a time until you have added all of the Half & Half. Be patient, take your time and let it stay as thick as possible as you mix in the Half & Half. When the Half and Half is all mixed in it may not seem very thick, but not to worry, it will get thicker. Once you have finished this mixture take it off of the heat.

Now the veggies should be done. Check them, and if they are done, drain off all of the water from the veggies. Now, with a rubber spatula, add the rue (half and half mix) to the strained veggies. Mix them well and then add the two cans of clams, water and all. (or the corn, maybe not the juice).

Last of all, add two table spoons of Red Wine Vinegar and mix in well. All finished. Enjoy the chowder and have a wonderful celebration, and remember to invite someone you love.