Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 teaspoons reduced-sodium chicken bouillon granules
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bottle clam juice
• 3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 cans chopped clams, undrained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 center-cut bacon strips
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fat-free half-and-half, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced