Bonac Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 lb. salt pork, finely diced
• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 tomatoes, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 4 cups shucked cherrystone clams, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 2 1⁄2 qt. clam juice
• 1⁄4 lb. butter, melted (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup half-and-half (optional)