8 slices bacon, chopped
Old bay Seasoning
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 celery stalks, choppedSalt and Pepper, to taste
2 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 quart half and half
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons flour
(4) 8-ounce cans chopped clams, with juice
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
In a large stovetop pot, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside. Drain off bacon grease, except 2 tablespoons. On medium-high heat, sauté garlic, celery, carrots and bay leaf in bacon grease for 2 minutes. Sprinkle vegetable mixture with flour. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add clams and clam juice. Stir. Add chicken broth, potatoes, Old Bay seasoning and reserved, cooked bacon. Cook for 2 minutes. Add thyme, salt and pepper. Lower heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Add cream or half and half. Bring to boil. Turn off heat and cover. Remove Bay Leaf before serving. Serve hot.
