Christmas Clam Chowder

Some traditions start with one time doing them. I wanted our children to remember the Savior on Christmas Eve. I tried to think of how to accomplish that with food. The Savior probably ate a good deal of fish and bread. So this recipe is my 'fish'. Now every Christmas Eve our candle light dinner begins with just clam chowder and rolls. The tradition of how it came to be a candle light dinner is another story.

Recipe

1 cup onions, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
2 cups potatoes, cut in small pieces
2 cans clams
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
3 cups milk
1 cup cream
1-1/2 teaspoons salt

In a small saucepan drain juice off clams and pour over vegetables. Add enough water to cover. Boil over medium heat until tender. Meanwhile melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and blend. Add milk and cream stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Add cooked veggies, undrained. Add salt to taste. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil.