Authentic New England Clam Chowder recipes

Name: Authentic New England Clam Chowder recipes
Ingredients: ½ lb. salt pork, diced into ¼ pieces*; ¼ cup water; 2 Tbl. butter; 2 large ribs celery, thinly sliced (1/8); 1 large onion, small diced (1/4); 1 small to medium-sized clove garlic, minced; 1½ cups chicken broth; 3 cups milk; 2½ lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½ cubes; 1 large bay leaf; ½ tsp. dried thyme; 3 Tbl. cornstarch mixed with 3 Tbl. COLD water; 2 (10 oz.) cans baby clams, (drain ONE can of the juice, add juice from second can) *see note for using fresh hard-shell clams; 2 cups heavy cream; ½ tsp. white pepper; 1 tsp. regular table salt, or to taste; fresh parsley; oyster crackers