The Enduring Deliciousness of Campbell's Chunky Clam Chowder

Mmm.

When I was in high school, I once ate over 100 cans of Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder in a single year. About every third day, I’d grab a can, pour it into a microwave-safe bowl, toss it in the microwave for three minutes, and chow down.

Why did I eat so much Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder? Because it was really delicious. The creamy broth, moist potatoes, and ample helping of clams never failed to hit the spot.

Eventually, though, after consuming an excessive amount of this soup over a period of 3 or 4 years, we parted ways. I had abused the soup; abused its deliciousness. There can be too much of a good thing, and I learned this the hard way with Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder. The viscosity of the broth became overbearing; the amount of potatoes oppressive. I pushed it away and said, “No, thank you.”

But years later (the lost years, one might say), Campbell’s Chunky Clam Chowder and I reconciled. With age has come wisdom, and I know now that the best things in life need to be enjoyed in moderation. Around age 33, I welcomed the exquisite soup back into my life, and we have lived in harmony ever since.

Sometimes, after an especially hard day, I’m not quite sure what to do with myself. What will comfort me? What will make me say to myself, “Y’know what, Colin? It’s gonna’ be okay.”

And then I open up my kitchen cabinet, and I see that clam chowder sitting there. My old friend.

And I know everything is going to be alright.