My Family’s Favorite Recipes for Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups clam juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can of clams, drained (reserve the liquid)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)