Clam Chowder

My hubs has declared this to be his favorite clam chowder.  My dear friend Shauna invited us over for some soup on a chilly night.  She made this clam chowder for us, and it was delicious!  So she graciously shared  the recipe.  I generally don't like many seafood things because they always end up tasting "fishy" to me, but this little soupy was definitely an exception.  It was creamy and delicious!  Thanks Shauna for the fantastic recipe.

Ingredients:
2 cans minced clams (reserve liquid)
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups potatoes
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
3-4 cups milk
1 tsp. salt and pepper
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 can cream of mushroom
Dash of allspice
bacon bits (optional)
parsley (optional)

Directions:
Open can of clams and drain juice into a separate bowl.  In a sauce pan, place clams, onions, celery and potatoes in enough water to just cover them.  Bring to a boil and then simmer until soft.  Drain the water. 

In a large sauce pan or soup pot, melt butter and add flour to create a roux.  Add reserved clam juice, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings.  Mix until creamy over medium heat.  Add the drained veggies and clams.  Top with bacon bits and parsley if desired.  (If the soup is too thick for you or as it sits on the stove thickens more than you like, just add some milk.)