Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add clams, cover, and cook just until they open, about 5 minutes (start checking after 4 minutes and discard any chowder clams that have not opened after 6 minutes and quahogs after 7 minutes). Remove clams, and pour broth through a fine sieve into a bowl; reserve 5 cups. Remove clams from shells; roughly chop clams.

Cook bacon in a medium pot over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Add bacon fat or oil to fat in pot, and reduce heat to medium. Add onion and leek, and saute until softened, about 8 minutes.

Add wine, and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits. Add potatoes and reserved clam broth. Bring to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are tender. Stir in clams, and season with salt. Serve immediately with crumbled bacon and basil.