1/2 pound bacon, medium dice
1 cup chopped leeks (about 1 pound)
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots, peeled
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup flour
1 pound white potatoes, peeled and medium diced
4 cups clam juice
2 cups heavy cream
2 pounds littleneck clams, shucked, chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley