Bratten's Clam Chowder

Bratten's, just fyi, used to be a famous restaurant back in the day. Years ago a guy in my ward worked for them as a chef and submitted this recipe in our ward cookbook.

Ingredients:
2 6 1/2-ounce cans minced clams

1 cup onion, finely diced

1 cup celery, finely diced

2 cups potatoes, diced

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1 quart half & half

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

Drain juice from clams and pour liquid over vegetables, adding enough water just to cover. Simmer over medium heat until vegetables are barely tender. Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Add flour, making a roux; blend until smooth. Stir constantly while slowly adding half & half. Cook and stir with wire whisk until thick and smooth. Add vegetables, juice and clams. Heat through. Add salt and pepper. Serves 8.