Step 1

Heat a large pot or dutch oven over med/high heat and add the chopped bacon. Sauté, stirring occasionally until browned and crisp then transfer to paper towel lined plate. Keep 3 Tbsp of bacon grease in the pot (discard excess if desired).

Step 2

Add prepared carrots, onion and celery and continue cooking over med/nigh heat, stirring occasionally until soft and golden (7-8 min). Sprinkle in 4 Tbsp flour, and saute another minute, stirring constantly.

Step 3

Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup chopped clams with their juice,1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring soup to a light boil.

Step 4

While soup is heating up, chop potatoes into bite-sized pieces about 1/4" thick. Add potatoes to pot then stir in 2 cups milk and 1 cup whipping cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and lightly boil until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork (about 20 min). Season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, garnish with cooked bacon and fresh cilantro.