Georgian Clam Chowder with Old Fashioned Ham and Cheese Pannini

That's right Georgian clam chowder. Believe it or not Georgia has a working shellfish market that is not widely known. One of the things I want to do is promote Georgia food of all kinds and what better way than to promote Georgia Shell fish. I honestly believe that Georgia Shellfish can compete and chowder can compete with any of the new england sort. This recipe can be made with any type of clams. But for the sake of those who can not find fresh Clams and they only have fresh vegetables and herbs this recipe is prefect. As you will quickly see what makes this Clam chowder so different from it's new england counter part is the use of fresh sweet corn. Absolutely delicious. This is an Urban Homestead Orginal derived from our use of fresh clams. Canned clams are use as a substitute for those living in areas where fresh seafood is scarce. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup of chopped onion

2 cups of chopped celery

4 cloves of garlic(finely chopped)

1/2 stick of butter

2 large red potatoes(diced)

2 sweet white corn(peeled from the husk)

2 bottles clam juice http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2006/10/clam_broth.html

2 tsp of Clam base http://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Bouillon-Clam-Base/dp/B00016LA8O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1240617170&sr=1-1

3 cans of chopped clam in clam juice http://www.buythecase.net/product/22816/snows_chopped_clams/?engine=yahooshopping

16 oz of half&halffresh dill(chopped)

3 tbs of corn starch

Step:

1- In a soup pot, saute chopped garlic, celery and onion in butter until veges are soft.

2- throw diced potatoes in the pot and blend with step 1

3- pour bottled clam juice and 2 tsp of clam base. Let it cook until potatoes get tender in slow heat

4 -throw corn and half and half and reduce to low heat(Never boil)

5 -put canned chopped clam(with juice) in 4

6- put some chopped fresh dill

7 -mix cold water corn starch and stir in the soup to thicken

8- garnish with fresh dill