Clam Chowder - PEI Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 0.5 cup diced onions
• 0.5 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 lb PEI baby red potatoes, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup bottled clam juice
• 2 lb PEI soft shell clams
• 1 cup 18% cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp finely chopped chives