I don't eat clam chowder as I developed an allergy to clams in my late teens. SO and I make do with fish chowder.
Chowder is a soup made with salt pork, dairy, potato and a name ingredient such as clams, corn or fish. Additional thickeners should not be added. The dairy and starch from the potatoes will provide any thickening needed. Sadly, many chowder purveyors and their customers in this area equate thickness with goodness.
If you want to add corn to your chowder, go ahead and do it. Replace the salt pork with bacon if you like. Double cream will make it extra rich and creamy.
Thank you Andy. Very cool.
K
And I'm off to bed! (Have you seen the bleedin' time?)