OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY ORIGINAL CLAM SAUCE

3 ounces butter
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
3 medium celery stalks (outside peeled), finely chopped
3 tablespoons flour
2 cans (6 oz each) chopped clams
1 quart half and half
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon salt
hot cooked noodles (for serving)

Combine butter, garlic, onion and celery in a saucepan. Braise over medium-low heat until tender but not brown.

Add the flour, and mix to make a roux.

Drain clams, reserving juice.

In a separate saucepan, combine clam juice, half-and-half, thyme and salt. Heat until just below boiling. Add to roux, and cook until sauce thickens.

Add clams, stirring gently to mix through out the sauce.

Serve over noodles.

Servings: 6
Source: San Diego Union Tribune, February 16, 1995