New England Clam Chowder - Foodtown

Ingredients

• 8 pounds cherrystone clams, scrubbed ( substitute with two 10-ounce cans of baby clams and 6 cups of bottled clam juice)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, minced
• 1 large onion, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• Chopped fresh chives
• Oyster crackers or Vermont Common Crackers