New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 3 6.5 oz cans chopped or minced baby clams, drained (reserve juice); 2 8 oz. bottles of clam juice; ½ lb. bacon (cut into small pieces); 2 Tbl. butter; 1 large onion (fine diced); 2 celery stalks (very fine diced); 1 garlic clove (minced); 2 Tbl. flour; 2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes); 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup milk; Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper; Fresh chives; Oyster crackers and/or crusty bread (optional)