You can certainly make chowders without the generous amount of cream or the multiple pats of butter, but let's face it: the chowder just wouldn't be the same. If you're looking for some real stick-to-your ribs cuisine, you can't go wrong with one of these classic chowders.

The hallmark of a good chowder is being able to stand a wooden spoon straight up in the pot without it tipping over. This is both a fun party trick and also how you know that the soup has simmered down to the perfect thick chowder consistency.

• Potato-Fish Chowder from Martha Stewart
• New England Clam Chowder from Saveur
• Buttermilk Crab Chowder from Sunset Magazine
• Lobster Chowder from The New York Times
• Roasted Autumn Vegetable Chowder from Pinch My Salt
• Corn Chowder from Simply Recipes

How do you like your chowder?

Related: Sense of Place: The Food of New England

(Image: Martha Stewart)