Winter seems to be lingering still is but one can still enjoy hearty soups. Warm yourself and loved one’s up with classic homemade new England clam chowder. This classic cream-based soup is inspired by our color of the week, pearl. Try this recipe from allrecipes.com.

Ingredients
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste
3 cups half-and-half
3 tablespoons butter
2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams
Directions

1. Place diced bacon in large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook until almost crisp; add onions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
2. Pour in half-and-half, and add butter. Drain clams, reserving clam liquid; stir clams and 1/2 of the clam liquid into the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not allow to boil.

Photo Credit: http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/wd2/recipes/hearty-clam-chowder-recipe/477678-1-eng-US/Hearty-Clam-Chowder-Recipe_slideshow_image.jpg