1/3 c. butter
1 tbsp. diced salt pork
1 c. diced onion
1 c. diced celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. minced shallot
1/4 c. flour
2 c. chicken broth
1 c. clam liquor or juice
1 c. drained minced clams, canned or fresh
1/2 c. diced peeled tomatoes
1 c. diced peeled potatoes, cooked and drained
1 tbsp. minced parsley
1 1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Melt butter in large heavy pot. Add salt pork, onion, celery, garlic and shallot and cook until lightly browned. Stir in flour and cook over very low heat 15 minutes, stirring now and then.

Combine chicken broth and clam liquid and heat until steaming. Add to vegetables, stir until smooth and simmer 40 minutes. Add clams, tomatoes and potatoes and simmer 10 minutes. Add parsley, thyme and salt and pepper. Makes about 4 servings.