Slow Cooker New England Clam and Corn Chowder

Summary
Prep time	30 min
Cook time	4.5 hrs
Source	[ BakedByRachel.com]
Yield / serves	6+ servings
Rating	(unrated)

Ingredients

• 2 lb potatoes roughly 5 cups, peeled and chopped into bite size pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 C onion chopped
• 1 C celery chopped
• 7oz can corn drained
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp white pepper or ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp thyme
• 4 x 6oz cans clams with juice
• 8oz bottle clam juice
• 6 slices bacon 1/4 cup reserved if desired for topping
• 1-2 Tbsp bacon grease optional
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 C heavy cream

Preparation

Add vegetables, seasonings, clams and all clam juice to the slow cooker. Cover and begin cooking on high for 4 hours or low for 8.

Cook and chop bacon, reserving ¼ cup as optional toppings. Add remaining bacon and optional bacon grease to slow cooker. Stir and replace cover.

After 4-8 hours, whisk together cornstarch and heavy cream until smooth. Add to slow cooker, stir gently. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve hot.