Best New England Clam Chowder Recipe

Name: Best New England Clam Chowder Recipe
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs fresh clams *see notes; 1 quart water; 1 bay leaf; 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 1/2 tsp of dried thyme if no fresh avalable; 4 ounces Salt pork, diced into 1/4 pieces; 1 large yellow onion, 1/4 dice; 2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4 pieces; 1 quart clam broth (created when you steamed clams); 3-4 large Russet potatoes, 1/2 cubes; 1 cup heavy cream; Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2 cubes cooked till fork tender; 1 tsp white pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt, if needed. Taste test first before adding as many of the ingredients are salty.