CREAM OF CLAMS
Steam twenty-five clams and as soon as they open remove them from the shells and strain off the liquor. Chop the clams, pound them in a mortar, and rub as much of them as possible through a purée sieve. Put three cupfuls of milk into a double boiler, cook two tablespoonfuls of butter and two tablespoonfuls of flour together, but do not let them brown, then add to the cooked butter and flour a little of the milk from the boiler to make a smooth paste, put the paste into the milk in the double boiler, and stir the mixture until it is a little thickened. When ready to serve add two cupfuls of clam liquor and the pulp which has passed through the sieve. Let it get hot, but do not let it boil or it will curdle. Season with salt, if necessary, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. At the moment of serving add a cupful of cream and beat the whole well with an egg-whip. This receipt makes a quart and a half of soup.