New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 19.5 ounces 3 6.5 ounce each cans chopped clams in clam juice; 2 cups reserved clam juice; 6 slices bacon (diced); 1 Tablespoon butter; 2 ribs celery (chopped); 1 large yellow onion (diced); 3 cups diced potatoes (about 1 ¼ pounds russet potatoes, peeled); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 dried bay leaves; ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (plus more to taste); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for cornstarch slurry); 1 tablespoon cold water (optional for cornstarch slurry); Oyster crackers (optional for serving); Fresh chopped parsley (optional for serving)