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1
Wash and scrub the clams to get rid of the dirt.
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2
Set the littlenecks aside in the refrigerator, and combine the cherrystone clams with the water, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme leaves in a large pot.
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3
Cover, and steam over medium-high heat until the clams have all popped open, about 15 minutes.
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4
Check every 5 minutes to pull out the clams that have opened (some take longer than others), and give the pot a stir.
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5
Pull the opened clams out of their shells and chop them roughly.
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6
Cover them and set aside.
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7
Pour the broth into a big bowl through a strainer that you've lined with cheesecloth, just in case there is leftover sand; set the broth aside.
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8
Rinse out the pot and melt the butter over medium heat.
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9
Add the pancetta, celery, and onion.
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10
Saute this together for 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
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11
Sprinkle the flour into the pot; stir and coat everything well.
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12
Gradually pour in the strained clam broth, whisking constantly to break up any lumps of flour.
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13
When all the broth is incorporated, fold in the potatoes, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes.
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14
The soup will start to thicken from the potato starch.
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15
Reduce the heat to low and fold in the cream, milk, and chopped clams.
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16
Toss in the littleneck clams and cover the pot to let them steam open, about 5 minutes.
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17
Season the soup with many turns of freshly ground black pepper and stir everything together to heat through, but do not let it boil.
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18
Serve this in nice big bowls with some chopped parsley and Parmesan Oyster Crackers.
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19
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
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20
Chop garlic cloves then sprinkle with some salt and smash to make a paste.
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21
Set a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
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22
Add butter, oil and garlic and swirl pan.
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23
Add oyster crackers and chopped flat-leaf parsley and toss to coat.
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24
Spread out on a sheet tray, season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with shredded Parmigiano.
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25
Pop into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crispy.