Easy Creamy New England Clam Chowder

Ingredients

STEAMING THE CLAMS:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 6 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 lbs. fresh, live clams (scrubbed clean)

CLAM CHOWDER:

• 6 slices thick cut bacon, diced
• 1 cup onions, finely diced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 1 cup leeks, finely sliced
• 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups red potatoes, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth or stock
• 3/4 cup clam juice (bottled is fine)
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 Tbsp dried thyme
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
• 3/4 cup steamed clams, chopped
• 1 quart half and half (4 cups)