New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons canola oil; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried; 1 medium red potato, diced; 1 8-ounce bottle clam juice, (see Makeover Tip); 1 bay leaf; 3 cups low-fat milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon salt; 12 ounces fresh clam strips, (see Shopping Tip), chopped, or 3 6-ounce cans chopped baby clams, rinsed; 2 scallions, thinly sliced