Best Homemade New England Clam Chowder

So, yesterday I decided to try out this new clam chowder recipe I found.  It was in a novel by Karen MacInerney, although I found the very same recipe on a cooking website, as well.

I've tried making clam chowder before and it always turned out awful but this recipe is the best!  I've decided to post it here, in case anyone is interested in trying it,with the disclaimer that I did not create it.  If I knew who did I would certainly give credit where credit is due.

Downeast Clam Chowder

6-7 pieces of bacon

1 med onion

10 oz. canned baby clams, w/juice reserved

6-7 med potatoes, cubed

2 10 1/2 oz. cans of cream of celery soup

1 C heavy cream

1 C milk

1 T butter

Dice the bacon, cook in a saucepan until crispy, then add onion and saute until translucent.  Add clam juice and potatoes and cook, covered until potatoes are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the potatoes won't stick to the pan.

Stir in clams, soup, cream and milk.  Season with fresh ground pepper and cook for about 30-45 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

I served it with a green salad and homemade garlic bread.

Absolutely delicious!

Polymer Smooshers Guild

I was just browsing through the Guild's members list and thought I'd share a few pictures of some of my favorite items.  I hope you enjoy my choices.

From Cynthia Blanton

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3892569
From Gray's Crafts

From Mandarin Moon

From Strange Whimsy

The Kraft Kottage

M And M Clay Creations

Making Jump Rings

I have been fascinated with wire wrapping lately.  I've made several rings and while I'm still in the process of perfecting my technique, I think they turned out well.

Recently, I started making my own jump rings and I'm in love with the process.  There is something so satisfying about coiling wire and sawing each coil to produce a perfect circle.  I don't have a jeweler's vise right now so the process is a bit hard on the fingers.  

I would welcome any tips or comments from anyone on their own experiences in wire wrapping or jump ring making.