New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 4 can (6 1/2 oz.) chopped clams in juice; 4 slice bacon, cut into 1/2 pieces; 1 stick unsalted butter; 2 cup finely diced yellow onions; 4 ounce flour (about 1/3 cup); 1 cup finely diced celery; 1.5 teaspoon minced garlic; 6 fresh thyme leaves picked, or 1 tsp dry; 2 bay leaves; 3 cup 1/2 cubed, peeled potatoes, about 1 1/4 pounds; 5 cup clam juice; 2 cup heavy cream; 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; salt and pepper to taste; chopped parsley for garnish; soda crackers or saltines