Old Spaghetti Factory's Clam Sauce

• ounces butter↗3 ounces
• cloves garlic, chopped fine↗2 cloves
• onion, chopped fine↗1⁄2
• stalks celery, chopped fine↗3
• tablespoons flour↗3 tablespoons
• (8 ounce) cans chopped clams, with juice2 (8 ounce) cans
• quart half-and-half↗1 quart
• teaspoon salt↗1 teaspoon
• teaspoon white pepper1⁄4 teaspoon
• teaspoon thyme↗1⁄2 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine first four ingredients in a saucepan.

2. 2

   Saute over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender but not brown.

3. 3

   Add flour and mix to make a roux.

4. 4

   In another saucepan, combine the juice from the clams, half and half, salt, white pepper, and thyme; heat until just below boiling.

5. 5

   Add the half and half mixture and the clam meat to the roux.

6. 6

   Stir until the sauce thickens.

7. 7

   Serve over your favorite buttered spaghetti noodles with generous portions of Parmesan cheese.