Clam Chowder — An American Classic

Name: Clam Chowder — An American Classic
Ingredients: Makes approximately 2.5 litres; 1 kg parlourde clams; 125ml water for the clams; 320g smoked back ‘collar’ bacon – 8 slices; 850g Maris Piper potatoes; 4 large cloves garlic; 2 medium onions; 3 celery sticks; 2 leeks, white only – about 250g in total; 25g butter; 250ml dry white wine; 750ml light fish stock; 500ml full fat milk; 150ml single cream; 1 tbs fresh thyme leaves; 3 bay leaves; 25g fresh parsley; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 2 large slices white sourdough bread; Virgin olive oil; Dried fine herbs; Salt and pepper