Jennifer Shepherd's Clam Chowder

Jennifer was an old neighbor/friend. I had this at a ward something or other and had to have the recipe. I used sea salt to season it rather than kosher and I really liked how it turned out. I don't usually add a lot of salt to my food, but I accidentally over salted this, according to my standards, and really liked it.

2 cans minced clams
1 c. onion
1 c. celery
2 c. diced potatoes
¾ c. butter
¾ c. flour
1 qt. half and half
½ tsp. sugar
salt and pepper to taste

Dice all vegetables and place in a large frying pan. Pour liquid off clams and add water to just cover the vegetables. Cook over medium heat about 20 minutes. In separate pot melt butter and add flour and cook about 2 minutes. Add half and half and stir until smooth. Add vegetables and water from frying pan. Add clams, salt, pepper and sugar.