Folks. Believe me, as we progress within this Nativity Fast, unless you’re allergic to shellfish, or good food, this one’s a keeper. Really. From my wife’s recipes. Trust me. It’ll make you slap your Grandma.*

Sea Bean Chowder
3 c. dry beans or 3 cans
2 c. chopped onion
6 cloves minced garlic
1 32 oz container of Clamato Juice
1 c. white wine or sherry
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp thyme
2 Tbsp chopped parsley (or 2 tsp dried)
1/4 c. fresh fennel, chopped (1/2 tsp crushed fennel seeds)
salt & pepper
1 16 oz jar chunky style salsa (medium)
1 10 oz jar whole baby clams
1 lb shrimp (cooked briefly and shelled)

Cook dried beans. Saute onion in oil. Add Clamato Juice, wine & all seasonings. Simmer a long time. Add to dry beans or add canned beans to this. 15 min before serving add shrimp, clams, undrained.

* It’s just a phrase, “Make ya wanna slap yer Grandma.” Like the exception that proves the rule, this is not actually recommended. But Sea Bean Chowder is that good.