Clam Chowder
      Kay got this years ago from Elena.....  It's a  quick, easy chowder we like and don't have often enough.
               (Thanks, Elena. Russ is lucky to have such a good cook around)

    8-12            soda crackers,  crushed
    4             slices of bacon, diced and sauteed
    1             onion, chopped
    2 c          potatoes, diced- a little less than half an inch square)
    1.5 t        salt
    some        pepper
    3 cans   clams, chopped or diced
    2 c            milk
    3 T            butter
    1.5 c          water

          Saute bacon . keep the bacon fat and add onions.  Just as the onions are browning, add water, potatoes, salt and pepper.  Cook 10 minutes.  Add clams, milk, butter and mix well.  Add crushed crackers, slowly, a little at a time, to thicken.
           Ten minutes is just about all you'll need for the potatoes to get completely cooked through.