I grew up LOVING Ivar’s clam chowder. I can down bowls of that stuff… I was super excited back in high school to hear that Ivar’s was opening their one sole non-Washington location in California, in Valley Fair mall. Unfortunately I heard that their lease is up this year and they will not be renewing their lease. When I was younger, I recalled seeing their Clam Chowder available at Costco. Unfortunately through the years they stopped carrying it.
I was lamenting my loss of clam chowder one day at work when a co-worker overheard… and told me that his local Sam’s club in San Diego carried it and was willing to pick it up for me next time he did his Sam’s Club shopping. Hallelujah!! 10 dollars and a flight later, I have my coveted frozen clam chowder in my grubby little hands – well not quite… they’re sitting in our kitchen fridge in the freezer compartment. Thank you Roger! You are awesome in bringing me my clam chowder!
And in case I lose my directions/box on how to prepare this amazingness:
1.) Before removing chowder from bag, run hot water over unopened bag for 30-45 seconds on each side
2.) Cut off top of the bag and empty into a saucepan
3.) Add 1 1/2 cups of milk and stir to blend
4.) Slowly bring the soup to a low boil over medium heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. Simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened. Serve immediately!