Cozy up this fall with a cup of New England clam chowder. This recipe is a web exclusive for "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" book, available on October 21, 2008.
Combine clams and water in a medium stockpot, and then cover and bring to a boil. Cook until clams have opened, 5 to 6 minutes (discard any that remain closed). Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove clams. Strain the broth through a fine sieve lined with a coffee filter; you should have about 4 cups (if not, add a little water). When clams are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the shells and coarsely chop. Discard shells.
Rinse the pot and dry completely. Cook the salt pork over medium heat until some of the fat has rendered and the remaining meat is light golden, about 3 minutes. (If there is not enough fat to coat the bottom of the pot, add the butter). Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring once or twice.
Return the strained clam broth to the pot, along with the potato, thyme, and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potato is tender but not falling apart, 6 to 8 minutes (if desired, mash a few against the side of the pot to thicken the broth slightly). Stir in clams and cream and cook just until heated through, no more than a minute or so. (Do not boil, or cream will separate and clams will toughen.) Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
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