Clam Chowder with water

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[...]

3 (6 1/2 ounce) cans clams , with liquid 6 potatoes 1 onion 6 cups milk 12 tablespoons flour 6 tablespoons butter salt and pepper 1 Peel and cut the potatoes[...]