Clam Chowder with drippings

3 slices bacon , chopped 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 stalks celery , chopped 1/4 yellow onion , finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf 3 red[...]

6 slices bacon , diced 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted 1 1/2 cups milk 3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans[...]

4 slices bacon , chopped 3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans whole shelled clams 3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons margarine 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped onion[...]