Easy New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 3 slices of bacon (I prefer applewood smoked bacon) cut into small pieces
• 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed, and cubed
• 1 medium stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon thyme
• 2 (6 1/2-oz.) cans minced clams, drained, reserving liquid
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup 1/2 & 1/2
• 2 cups milk