INGREDIENTS
8
bacon strips, divided
2 tbsp
butter
2
celery ribs, chopped
1
leek, finely chopped
1
large onion, chopped
2
garlic cloves, minced
3
small potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup
broth (chicken or vegetable)
1
bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
1/2 tsp
white pepper
1/2 tsp
salt
1/2 tsp
dried thyme
1/3 cup
all-purpose flour
2 cups
half-and-half, divided
3 cans
(6-1/2 ounces each) of whole clams, chopped into chunky pieces, drained
Bay leaf
Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish