Clam & Shrimp Chowder

Ingredients

1/4 c butter
1 onion
2 celery stalks
2 potatoes
1 1/2 ts fennel seeds
2 tb all purpose flour
1 ts paprika
1 3/4 c chicken stock
4 oz shrimp
1 bell pepper
3/4 c corn

Instructions

Salt to taste Fresh ground pepper to taste Fresh dill sprig (opt) Melt butter in a saucepan. Add onion, celery, potatoes and fennel. Cook gently 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Blend in flour and cook 1 minute. Stir in paprika and stock and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in clams, shrimp, bell pepper and corn. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir in half-and-half, salt and pepper. Garnish with dill sprig, if desired, and serve hot. VARIATION: Omit paprika and add 1 teaspoon Curry Powder. Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving. ----