Easy Clam Chowder

Name: Easy Clam Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon (diced); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 onion (diced); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup vegetable stock; 2 (6.5-ounce) cans chopped clams (juices reserved); 1 bay leaf; 2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced); 1 cup half and half*; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves