Best Clam Chowder

Ingredients (16)

• 8 bacon strips
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 celery ribs
• 1 leek
• 1 large onion
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 3-4 small unpeeled potatoes (red potatoes or Yukon gold)
• 2 cups broth
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cans 6-1/2 ounces each of chopped clams
• Bay leaf
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions