The Best Clam Chowder

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup

butter (melted)

1 cup

flour

1 cup

celery (finely diced)

1 cup

onions (finely diced)

1 cup

leeks (finely diced)

3 cups

red potatoes (diced (we use about 3 c. because we like it nice and thick, if you like a thinner clam chowder use less))

3/4 cup

clams (shelled & chopped (see above))

3/4 tbsp

FRESH ground black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp

salt (use KOSHER salt, not table salt)

3/4 tbsp

whole thyme

bay leaves

shakes Tabasco sauce

3 cups

chicken broth

3/4 cup

clam juice

2 qt

half & half