Bay Scallop Chowder

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped unpeeled red potatoes

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1 pound bay scallops

2 cups half-and-half

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup fresh parsley

Directions:

• Melt butter in a large heavy saucepan. 
• Add onion and next 5 ingredients (onion through oregano). 
• Sauté 10 minutes. 
• Add clam juice and scallops. 
• Cook 5 minutes (cover longer until vegetables cook).
• Add half-and-half, salt and pepper. 
• Cook until throughly heated. Stir in parsley.

Serves 4 

Recipe by Larry Olmsted