Creamy Clam and Corn Chowder - Paula Deen

Ingredients

• 5 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion
• 2 medium red bliss
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 2 6 1/2-ounce cans chopped clams in clam juice
• 3 cups frozen corn kernels
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• Bottled hot pepper sauce optional