Easy Seafood Chowder

For as long as I can remember Christmas Eve has been all about the seafood. Smoked salmon, lobster, crab and my Mother’s amazing fish cakes have all been the highlight over the years. Often though, we return to this Easy Seafood Chowder which takes no time to make (a big coup on Christmas Eve) but feels special enough for the occasion. Served with warm crusty bread it’s a bowl of heaven.

Don’t save this just for the holidays though. This Easy Seafood Chowder is a terrific comfort food all winter long! That’s why I chose it as my December Life Made Delicious post. This chowder is perfect winter meal. Enjoy!

Easy Seafood Chowder

8 slice bacon, cut crosswise into 1″ pieces
3 medium shallots
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 6 1/2 oz whole baby clams (juice and clams separated)
2 8 oz jars bottles clam juice
1 cup heavy cream
2 medium red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2″ pieces
3/4 lb skinless cod fillet
1/4 lb Bay scallops
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a Dutch oven or heavy large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp. With slotted spoon transfer bacon to dish lined with paper towel to drain, leaving bacon grease in pan. Add the shallots and celery and cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until shallots are softened. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in all the clam juice (from cans and bottles). Add the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat once a simmer has been reached and cook until potatoes are tender, about ten minutes. Add the whole fish fillet and scallops and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the clams and continue to stir until the cod has broken into pieces. Cook until fish is cooked through and clams are heated (about 3 more minutes). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with chopped green onions, extra old white grated cheddar and bacon pieces.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.