Golden Isles Seafood Chowder

• 1/2 C diced onion
• 1/2 C diced leeks
• 1/2 C diced celery
• 1 t fennel seeds, coarsely ground in blender
• 1 C white wine
• 2 qt clam juice
• 2 C diced tomatoes
• 2 C diced Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 T unsalted butter
• 1/4 C flour
• 1/2 t dried thyme
• 2 whole bay leaves
• Chopped parsley, salt, and white pepper to taste
• 2 LB fresh seafood of your choice (shrimp, clams, fish, crab)

Sauté onion, leeks, and celery in butter until tender; add fennel and flour, stirring constantly, add white wine and clam juice slowly until creamy consistency. Add diced tomatoes and potatoes, and seasonings, and simmer slowly until potatoes are "fork-tender."

Add seafood and cook for 5 more minutes. Serves 8-10.