Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe

24 Fresh cherrystone or chowder clams
4 c Water
1/4 lb Salt pork, diced
2 Onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 c Chopped celery
4 Potatoes, peeled and diced
3 c Tomato juice
1 ts Salt
1/4 ts Freshly ground pepper
1/2 ts Thyme

Wash the clams well and place in a kettle with the water. Simmer until the shells open. Discard any clams that "do not" open. Drain and reserve 3 cups of the broth. Saute the salt pork until it is crisp and light brown. Add the onions and celery and saute until they are translucent but not brown. Add the potatoes, reserved clam broth, tomato juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are barely tender. Meanwhile, remove the clams from their shells and chop fine or put through a food grinder. Add the thyme and chopped clams to the potatoes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes longer.