All-American Clam Chowder

Ingredients

 * 4 tablespoons butter or margarine
 * 4 tablespoons flour
 * 3 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
 * 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 * 1 can clams, drained reserving juice
 * 1 large potato, cubed
 * 1 can cream of celery soup
 * 1½ cups milk
 * 1 dash pepper
 * oyster crackers (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Cook bacon until crisp.
 * 2) Drain on paper towel.
 * 3) saute onion in same skillet as bacon until soft.
 * 4) Add clam juice and potatoes.
 * 5) Coverand cook over low heat until potatoes are tender, 15 minutes.
 * 6) Melt butter in saucepan.
 * 7) Add flour and mix together.
 * 8) Add milk and blend until smooth.
 * 9) Add clam juice and potatoes; cook and stir until thickened.
 * 10) Add soup, bacon, clams, and pepper; cook over low heat until heated through.