Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• (3) 6.5 oz cans Chopped Clams (reserve the clam juice)
• Water
• 5 slices Bacon
• 3 Tbsp Butter
• 1 Onion
• 2 stalks Celery
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)
• 2 cloves Garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt + more to taste
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs gold potatoes
• 1 1/3 cups Half and Half
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Potato or Corn Starch (optional, for thickening)
• Chopped Chives, for garnish
• oyster crackers, bread, or (my favorite) gold fish crackers