Name: Lighter New England Clam Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 -8 servings
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 stalk celery, ends trimmed and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice; 4 cups milk (I used 2%); 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 (7-ounce) cans minced clams (not drained, keep the juice); sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper; optional garnish: chopped fresh chives or green onions, dash of hot sauce