NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

2 slices bacon
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups cubed potatoes
1 t salt
dash pepper
2 cans (10oz size) minced clams
2 cups half & half
2 T butter

Chop bacon, saute til crisp, add onion. Cook 5 min. Add potato, salt, pepper, 1 cup water. Cook, uncovered 15 min. Meanwhile, drain clams; save liquid. Add clams, 1/2 cup clam liquid, half & half, and butter. Heat 3 min; do not boil.