Thanks for this, Virginia. No doubt you’ll notice I have not been prompt in replying to your message sent 3 years ago. I reviewed Jo-Ann’s article, and could not find the answer to your question. So… it’s best for me to contact Jo-Ann herself for the true answer.

Did I miss the part where you say when to add the clams to the mixture?

The recipe sounds as if you had the clams only for the shells and clam juice.