Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe

Name: Creamy New England Clam Chowder Recipe
Ingredients: 2 pounds frozen cooked clams in shells, defrosted; 2 tablespoons butter; 5 ounces bacon (about 7 strips), chopped into lardons (matchsticks); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced; 1 bay leaf; 4 stalks fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ¼ cup sherry; 2 ½ cups chicken stock (may not need the full amount); 1 cup half and half; 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed; salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped