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 (or cornstarch, if you're gluten-free) 1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice 4 cups milk (I used 2%) 1.5 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced (and peeled if you'd rather not have skins) 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt, or more/less to taste 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1/2 tsp. thyme 1/4 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper 2 (7-ounce) cans minced clams (not drained, keep the juice!) optional garnish: chopped chives, dash of hot sauce