Best Tasting Clam Chowder

Today was a cold day outside, the perfect day
for making a big pot of tasty clam chowder.
This seafood dish is very colorful and eye appealing.
I have to admit I started out making a clam chowder
and this dish turned into a masterpiece of a chowder.
A great tasting chowder that has some cubed potato,
carrots, onions, garlic, shrimp and bacon marinated
imitation crab meat added in for a special taste treat.

Ingredients:
6 smoked bacon slices, cut up
1 pound imitation crab meat
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried chives
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup diced white potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 frozen tail on shrimp
6 (6 1/2-ounce) cans chopped clams
4 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
1 bay leaf
3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
dipping bread

Directions:
Place bacon and imitation crab meat into a glass bowl.
Microwave on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Then place it into a large soup pot along with
all the other ingredients, simmer for 2 hours.
Remove bay leaf and serve with bread for dipping into.