Manhattan Clam Chowder

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (to taste)
• 3 (10 ounce) cans baby clams, drained (juice reserved)
• 3 cups clam juice (or water)
• 3 ounces salt pork, finely minced
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced leek (white part only)
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, mashed to a paste
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (to taste)