Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      quarts        littleneck clams (about 1-2/3 cups cooked
                        and chopped)
   1      clove         garlic -- chopped
   1      cup           water
   2      ounces        salt pork -- finely chopped
   2      cups          chopped onions
   3      tablespoons   flour
   1 1/2  pounds        potatoes -- peeled, and diced
                        into 1/2-inch cubes
   4 1/2  cups          clam broth
   3      cups          Fish Stock
   2      cups          light cream
                        Oyster crackers (optional)

Preparation:

Clean the clams and place them in a large pot along with the garlic and water. Steam the clams just until opened, about 6 to 10 minutes, depending upon their size. Drain and shell the clams, reserving the broth. Mince the clam flesh, and set aside. Filter the clam broth either through coffee filters or cheesecloth and set aside. In a large, heavy pot slowly render the salt pork. Remove the cracklings and set them aside. Slowly cook the onions in the fat for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently, or until cooked through but not browned. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the reserved clam broth and Fish Stock, and whisk to remove any flour lumps. Bring the liquid to a boil, add the potatoes, lower the heat, and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir in the reserved clams, salt-pork cracklings, and light cream. Heat the chowder until it is the temperature you prefer. Serve in large soup bowls with oyster crackers on the side.