To Purge and Clean Fresh Clams:

1. Place clams in a clean sink, discarding any that are cracked, chipped, or broken.
2. Also, discard any clams that don’t close when their shell is lightly tapped.
3. Add enough cold water to completely cover all the clams.
4. Add 1/3 cup of salt.
5. Let clams sit in water for 30minutes to purge out any sand.
6. Drain the sink, rinsing away any sand or debris.
7. Repeat the process at least once more, maybe twice, until the water is free of any sand.
8. Use a stiff brush to scrub each clam under cold running water.
9. Keep clams in the refrigerator, until ready to proceed with recipe.

To Make The Chowder:

1. Place cleaned clams in a large pot.
2. Add two cups of water.
3. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Let boil until clam shells open. About 10 minutes.
4. Place a colander over a large bowl.
5. Remove open clams, one at a time, place in colander to drain.
6. Reserve drained liquid, and any liquid remaining in the pot. Allow to cool.
7. Shuck clams and set meat aside.
8. Carefully pour off cooled broth from cooking pot, reserving the liquid.
9. Drain pot carefully so as not to disturb any settlement in the bottom of the pot.
10. Place a large saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop.
11. Dice the salt pork into small cubes.
12. Add the diced salt pork. Cook pork until slightly brown, but do not let burn.
13. Pour off about half the fat if you have an abundance.
14. Dice the onion.
15. Add onion to the saucepan, stir and cook until tender.
16. Dice the potatoes into ¼ inch cubes.
17. Add diced potatoes to the saucepan.
18. Carefully pour off the broth, letting any settlement remain in the bowl.
19. Add clam broth to the saucepan.
20. Potatoes should be covered with liquid. Add water as needed to cover.
21. Let potatoes simmer until tender. About 10-15 minutes.
22. Add whole milk.
23. Add evaporated milk, stir well. Bring to a light simmer, stirring often for about 5 minutes.
24. Taste the chowder. Add salt if needed, and black pepper to taste.
25. Add Texas Pete Hot Sauce.
26. Add butter.
27. Add clams, stir well.
28. Continue to stir and simmer, until butter is melted and clams are heated through. Do Not Boil.
29. Add finely crushed oyster crackers as needed to thicken the chowder.
30. Serve warm and Enjoy!