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
 * 1 1/2 cups milk
 * 1 dash pepper
 * oyster crackers (optional)

Directions

 * Cook bacon until crisp.
 * Drain on paper towel.
 * Saute onion in same skillet as bacon until soft.
 * Add clam juice& potatoes.
 * Cover& cook over low heat until potatoes are tender, 15 min.
 * Melt butter in sauce pan.
 * Add flour& mix together.
 * Add milk& blend until smooth.
 * Add clam juice& potatoes; cook& stir until thickened.
 * Add soup, bacon, clams,& pepper; cook over low heat until heated through.