Sweet Memories’s New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 2½-3 dozen fresh littleneck clams, scrubbed or 3 cans chopped clams and juices
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or ¼ tsp. ground
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
• 2 cups half-and-half
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• fresh chives, chopped for topping