New England Clam Chowder

• 3 6.5 oz. cans chopped/minced clams in clam juice
• 8 ounces clam juice
• 6 thick center-cut bacon strips chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 stalks celery finely chopped
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 ¼ pounds russet potatoes peeled and diced into ¼-½” cubes, approx. 3 ½ cups
• 3–5 garlic cloves minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon each dried parsley dried oregano, salt
• ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream

Garnishes (Optional)

• Oyster crackers
• Fresh parsley