Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 8 pounds fresh clams scrubbed and rinsed, opened clams discarded
• 4 slices bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 cups 1/2-inch cubed peeled potatoes, about 1 1/4 pounds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups finely chopped yellow onions
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Dash Worcestershire sauce
• Dash Tabasco sauce
• GARNISH
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into 1 1/2-teaspoon pieces
• 1/4 cup minced parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives or green onions