My Potato (Clam Chowder) Soup

3/4 of a dutch oven pan full of diced peeled potatoes
1 large onion, diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
1/2 C immitation bacon bits, optional

1 stick margarine
apx 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes
apx 1/2 cup non dairy coffee creamer
15 oz can baby clams, drained and rinced, optional

Combine 1st 6 ingredients in a large dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer on medium heat until potatoes are soft apx 30 minutes. Check to make sure it stays covered with water. When potatoes are done add remaining ingredients to desired consistency and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.