Clams with Fennel Broth

• 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1 cup julienned celery
• 1 cup julienned fennel
• 1 cup julienned leeks
• 1 cup julienned shallots
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups clam juice
• 1/4 cup creme fraiche
• 12 to 15 Florida top neck clams
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Toasted baguette, for serving

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the celery, fennel, leeks, shallots and garlic and cook on very low heat until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the thyme, bay leaf and white wine, increase the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the clam juice, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in the creme fraiche.
6. Add the clams, cover the pot, and cook until all the clams have opened, about 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with the baguette
9. This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and may have been scaled down from a bulk recipe.
10. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.

butter, celery, fennel, leeks, shallots, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, white wine, clam juice, creme fraiche, neck clams, salt, baguette

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/clams-with-fennel-broth.html (may not work)