2 chower Recipes

bacon, cut in 1/2 pieces, onion, coarsely chopped, garlic cloves (to taste), potatoes, cut in 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces, cream of mushroom soup or 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of celery soup, clams, not drained, half-and-half, see note, cornstarch, water

fresh thyme , plus, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, garlic cloves, whole black peppercorns, white wine, water, littleneck clams, cleaned, olive oil , plus more as needed, smoked bacon, chopped, onions or 1/2 large onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced, stalks celery, diced (inner stalks), carrot, diced, all-purpose flour, russet potato, peeled and diced, milk, lemon , juice of, cayenne, heavy cream, salt & freshly ground black pepper, crouton, recipe follows, for garnish, fresh thyme sprig, for garnish (optional), cheesecloth, kitchen twine