Happy Fat Tuesday! Good day to whip up a batch of Quick Chicken Gumbo, huh? Except that I made a delicious batch of Manhattan Clam Chowder last night (recipe posted in comments, below), and will be having it for lunch today, and even though I lurve soup...it's a bit much, all of that together, non? So, since I was planning pork chops for this evening, I'll start with mirepoix, turn up the heat with a bit of cayenne, add some rice, flash my bits for some beads (just kidding!), and call it close enough.

Back to the clam chowder...the classic pantry staple, delicious to smell cooking (bacon, onion, and garlic - come on, is there a better cooking smell?), quick to the table, and so hearty and comforting to eat. I love both versions. Have I never posted my New England Clam Chowder recipe? Well, I'll post both then, they're both fabulous. The Manhattan version is healthier - with tomatoes, more veggies, and no cream. But the New England version is gorgeous, and really not all that rich (the amount of cream is pretty small; my version is not thick and gooey, yuck). Try them both and let me know which is your fav.