Easy Clam Chowder w/bacon (Copycat Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant)

I'm excited to share another copycat recipe with you!

Hubby and I enjoyed the luscious food at Sweet Tomatoes restaurants while we were blessed to spend the winter in Florida this year. 

If you're not familiar with Sweet Tomatoes, (known as Souplantation in other parts of the country) they have very long salad and soup bars, plus wonderful bread selections and desserts too!  

If you'd like to read more about them, read this post sharing

Simple Carrot Raisin Salad , that's another Sweet Tomatoes copycat. 

Anyway...my sweetie's favorite at the soup bar is ALWAYS the Clam Chowder!

So after we got home, I searched for a similar recipe and found the one that is a Sweet Tomatoes copycat.(Thank you Google!) 

It calls for 2 cups of potatoes, cooked.  I simplified the recipe by using a can of small potato cubes, rinsed and drained. 

All I had to do was dice, and fry,  the bacon and onions, warm the milk (per directions), open the can of clams and throw it all together.  

It takes us back to the beloved chowder at Sweet Tomatoes.

We will definitely be having this again and again. 

Do hope you'll give this a try and fall in love with it too. 

EASY CLAM CHOWDER WITH BACON 

3 slices bacon, diced

(I used 4!) 

1/2 c. onion, diced

2 c. milk, divided

1/2 c. half and half

2 c. potatoes, julienne cut

(like long thin strips...not necessary...cubes work well too) 

1/4 tsp. thyme

1/4 tsp. rosemary

1/2 tsp. celery salt

1/4 tsp. sugar

1 can (6-ozs.) minced clams, UNdrained

Optional:

3 - 4 Tb. flour whisked with 1/4 c. milk for thickening, 

if desired

Yield: 4 servings 

Cook potatoes until done, but firm.  Drain water and set aside.  Place 1-1/2 c. milk and the half and half in a saucepan over medium temperature; heat just until it begins to boil. Remove from stove and set aside.  

(Scalding milk with help prevent it from curdling.)

In a large skillet, fry bacon over medium high to brown and release grease. Remove bacon when cooked; place onions in bacon drippings and saute until clear.  Add the scalded milk, cooked potatoes, clams with juice, and seasonings.  Bring to a slow simmer, stirring occasionally; simmer for about 20 - 25 minutes.  

Slowly add flour/milk mixture to chowder, stirring constantly until thick and creamy as desired. 

Serve with cheese and crackers or a sandwich for a filling and satisfying meal. 

Linked up at 
Meal Plan Monday

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