Rhode Island Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 gallon cold water
• 2 cups freshly chopped raw clams
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 4 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons clam base, such as Better Than Bouillon (find it at superiortouch.com)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups 1/2-inch-diced
• Red Bliss potatoes
• Sour cream, for serving