1/2 lb. salt pork or bacon, minced
2 c. chopped onion
2 c. chopped celery
1 1/2 c. flour
2 (about 21 oz.) cans clams juice
2 c. milk
4 c. half & half
1/2 tsp. thyme
4 bay leaves
2 c. diced potatoes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 (10.5 oz. or larger) cans chopped baby clams
2 tbsp. butter

In a fry pan, saute the salt pork or bacon until brown and crisp. Remove pork from pan. Saute onion and celery in the pork fat until tender. Add flour. In a large saucepan, combine the milk, half & half, and clam juice. Add the vegetable-flour mix from the fry pan, then add the other ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Then simmer for 40 to 45 minutes. Makes 2 gallons.