Grandma's Clam Chowder

1/2 stick butter
2 cups diced onions
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced leeks
1/2 tsp chopped garlic
1/4 cup flour
8 cups milk
2 cups clams in juice
2 cups diced potatoes
1 Tbsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
2 tsp dried Thyme
1 cup heavy cream

In a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion, celery, leeks and garlic.  Saute for 3 minutes, mixing often.  Remove from heat and add flour, mixing well.

Add milk and whisk vigorously.

Drain clams and add juice to soup.  Slowly bring to a boil, mixing often.  Reduce heat to a simmer.  Add potatoes and seasonings, simmer 10 minutes.

Add clams and simmer 5 - 8 minutes.  Finish with heavy cream.  Serve.