New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon (chopped); 1/2 cup onion (diced); 1/2 cup celery (sliced); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 5 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes); 2 8 ounce bottles clam juice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 10 ounce can whole baby clams (drained); 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; additional cooked bacon and oyster crackers or serving (optional)