1 Carrot, diced
1 md Onion, diced
1 Potato, diced
1 Stalk of celery, diced
1/2 lb Minced bacon
1/4 lb Margarine
3 Cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 qt Clam juice
1 1/2 c Flour
2 c Milk
2 c Heavy whipping cream
2 c Half-and-half
1/2 ts Black pepper
1/2 lb Chopped clams (fresh, frozen or canned)
1/2 ts Clam base (optional, available in most gourmet shops)

Place vegetables, bacon and margarine in a 5 quart sauce pot. Saute over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Be careful not to brown or scorch.

When vegetables are tender, add flour to make a roux. Cook for two minutes, allowing flour to cook while stirring occasionally.

Add clam juice and dairy products. Stir by using a wire whip.

Add fresh garlic, black pepper, chopped clams and clam base. Cook over low-medium heat stirring occasionally to prevent chowder from scorching. Cook for two hours or until chowder is brought to desired thickness.