In a heavy bottomed soup pot, heat the olive oil, add the bacon or fat back and cook until its fat begins to render. Add the diced vegetables to the pot and sweat over low heat until wilted, about 15 minutes. Add the oregano, thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and cayenne and stir to combine. Add the crushed tomato and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for one hour. Add the potatoes and continue to simmer for another 1/2 hour. Stir in the chopped clams with their juice and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve hot, with chowder crackers and freshly grated horseradish as a garnish. Yield: 2 1/2 to 3 quarts finished soup c. Michael Lomonaco 1997 MICHAELS PLACE SHOW #ML1B09 Recipe by: Michael Lomonaco Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #808 by Holly Butman on Sep 26, 1997