New England Clam Chowder Bread Bowls

Ingredients

• 5 Thick cut bacon strips, cooked and chopped (for garnish)
• 2 Celery stalks, diced
• 2 Carrot sticks, diced
• ½ Cup yellow onion, minced
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Yellow gold potatoes medium sized, diced
• 2 TBSP butter, melted
• 1/4 Cup flour, sifted
• 2 Bay leafs
• 8 Oz. clam juice
• ½ TBSP fresh thyme leaves
• 2 Cups full fat oat milk
• ¾ Cup half and half
• 3 6.5 oz. cans chopped clams, juices drained
• Fresh chives, chopped for garnish
• Oyster crackers (optional)
• Bread Bowl from Panera (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste