Manhattan Style Clam Chowder

Ingredients

1/4 lb. diced bacon
1 lg. onion, diced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
3 stalks celery with leaves, thinly sliced
1 tbsp. fresh parsley (or dried)
1 lg. can tomatoes, broken up, with juice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. dried thyme
3 medium potatoes, diced
2 or 3 cans (6 to 7oz each) minced clams with juice
1 bottle (8oz) clam juice
1 tablespoon flour blended with 1 tablespoon melted butter or a little of the bacon grease (optional)

Directions

Fry diced bacon until crispy; drain and transfer to 3 1/2-quart or larger slow cooker/Crock Pot. Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker/Crock Pot; Stir to blend. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. If a thicker soup is desired, add flour butter mixture during the last 30 minutes.