Manhattan Clam Chowder

Name: Manhattan Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 pound fresh slab bacon or fat back, diced; 4 carrots, peeled and diced, about 2 cups; 1 large onion, peeled and diced, about 1 cup; 4 celery stalks, diced, about 1 cup; 3 tablespoons fresh oregano; 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped garlic; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup plum tomatoes, drained and crushed; 2 quarts water; 2 russet potatoes (about 3/4 pound), cleaned, peeled, and diced; 2 dozen chowder clams steamed open, chopped, cleaned and their juices reserved; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste