Creamy New England-Style Clam Chowder

This clam chowder is ultra creamy and rich, and packed with savory flavors that will make your mouth water. Homemade clam chowder is so much better than anything from a can, and easier to make than you may think!

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon diced
• 1 cup yellow onion diced (about 1 medium onion)
• 1 cup celery diced (about 2 stalks)
• 1 cup leeks sliced thinly (about 1 large leek)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups red potatoes diced (about 1 lb.)
• 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or stock
• 3/4 cup clam juice (bottled is fine)
• 1/2 – 3/4 Tbsp dried thyme
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 dried bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce
• 2 – 3 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped or minced clams drained
• 4 cups half and half
• sliced green onions for garnish, optional