Name: Authentic New England Clam Chowder
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 7-8 pounds clams (Cherrystone, about 1 1/2-2 dozen large clams, scrubbed of grit); 4 cups cold water; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 pound bacon (thick cut, chopped); 2 stalks celery (finely diced); 1 medium onion (finely diced); 2 1/2 pounds yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into half inch dice); 1 tablespoon thyme (fresh or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water (cold); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup celery tops ((the leaves) chopped); 4 strips bacon (crisped); 1 cup oyster crackers