Hog Island Clam Chowder - Hog Island Oyster Co.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound high quality bacon, sliced
• 1/2 small stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 2 large leek, white part only, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 8-10 medium-size Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
• 6 lbs. raw, Manila clams in the shell, rinsed
• 1 quart heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley for garnish