Glenda'S Clam Chowder
["3 lb. potatoes, peeled and diced", "1 qt. water (approximately)", "2 to 3 medium onions, diced", "1/4 tsp. pepper", "2 tsp. salt (to taste)", "1 bay leaf", "2 cans minced clams", "1 pt. half and half or 2 c. milk or 1 can evaporated milk", "1/4 c. margarine (optional)", "1 Tbsp. cornstarch or flour (to thicken)"]
["Combine the first 6 ingredients and liquid drained from clams. Cook until vegetables are tender.", "Lower heat to low. Add clams and milk. Cook slowly 15 minutes.", "Make roux of cornstarch or flour and water to thicken.", "Cook until thickened on low."]
["potatoes", "water", "onions", "pepper", "salt", "bay leaf", "clams", "milk", "margarine", "cornstarch"]