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Living with Authors

Everyone in my family writes something. Laura writes lovely Psychology textbooks. These are books that you actually read; books I can actually hear her voice. I’m not the only one, her students often say the same thing! She writes as though your listening from a comfy fireside chair…

Our daughter Karen has just started writing and I am real glad she did! She writes social media textbooks in a way even I can understand it! Her book comes out this summer.

I maybe an overly proud papa, but Kristin’s writing is confined to military stuff. She had something to do with writing the plan on the Iraqi drawdown. I maybe giving her too much credit or not enough… but she is a great writer.

The tell me I should write my novel “Last Tango in San Luis”… but when I joke about the characters they think it’s too close to the real folks here! I guess I could use names no one has heard of… Dr Bravestone and Ruby Roundhouse killer of men??

Anyway, it all makes them happy! Write on!!

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I Love Clam Cowder

So few  truly great clam chowders. Why is that? 

Cost per portion, number of ingredients and time of production are the concerns I hear most often. But, what if you want something really great? There is an answer.

First, most chowders contain a clam or two, but be generous if you want it to be wonderful!


Most clam chowder recipes are a variation on a theme. I add leeks and chalets to my sweet onion as well as celery, red potatoes are a must.

1 lb thick cut Bacon (Farmer Johns)

1 large sweet onion, 2 leaks and 2 chalets

3 table spoons crushed garlic

6 peeled and cubed red potatoes 

6 tablespoons fried chicken consommé 

All the clam juice from the can (2 cups or so)

Spices:  1/2 tablespoon each: garlic powder, salt, Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon white pepper 

1/2 teaspoon thyme

Process:

Pan fry bacon, remove bacon and set aside, retain bacon juice and fat

Add all chopped and diced onions, Cook onions until clear, then add diced celery and garlic

Microwave potatoes until they are beginning to get soft… 6 minutes

Stir potatoes in along with clam juice, dry consommé, and seasonings.

Bring to a boil the reduce and simmer for 15-20 minutes

( in a separate bowl, blend 1 cup flour and two cups half and half)

Add flour/ half and half blended mixture to main ingredients and bring to a boil for a couple minutes, reduce to simmer 

Add 2 cups half and half and clams , stir in… just before boiling.

Serve, Topped with bacon and oyster crackers

I hope you like my variation… this is definitely an indulgence and a celebration . not for calorie counting.

Roger