Name: Manhattan Clam Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon (chopped); 1/2 cup onion (diced); 2 carrots (peeled, quartered and sliced); 1/2 cup celery (sliced); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 pound Russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes); 2 8 ounce bottles clam juice; 2 cups chicken broth; 28 ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain); 10 ounce can whole baby clams (drained); salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; oyster crackers and cooked bacon for serving (optional)