New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 48 clams (littleneck or cherrystone, scrubbed clean); 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil); 4 strips bacon (thick slice); 1 cup onion (chopped); 1 tsp Kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 3 sprigs thyme (fresh, bundled together with twine); 2 bay leaves; 1½ lb gold potatoes (peeled and cubed, about 4 to 5 potatoes); 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3 tbsp corn starch; 1 tsp hot sauce (a few splashes, to taste - optional); 1 tbsp Sherry (optional); 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley (chopped, for garnish)