This is one of my dad's recipes. I don't know why I don't make it more often, it's quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. I do upgrade the bacon bits with real crumbled bacon though. And yes, he did write it down as "spuds".
Ingredients:
2 7oz cans minced clams.
3-4 medium spuds, diced.
1 medium onion, chopped.
1 stalk celery, diced.
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half.
¼ cup bacon bits (or sliced bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled, about 2 slices).
salt and pepper to taste.
Cook spuds, onion, celery, and bacon in enough water to cover. When spuds are tender, drain clam juice into soup. Simmer a few minuts and then add clams, milk, and seasonings. Simmer until desired thickness - don't let it boil. Thicken with cornstarch if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve very hot with pat of butter. Don't forget the oyster crackers! Serves 6-8.