New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 dozen little neck or cherry stone clams, scrubbed; 4 thick slices bacon, cut into lardons; 1 large onions, cut into 1/4 inch dice; Kosher salt; 11/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch dice; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 bundle of thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 to 2 shakes hot sauce, optional (recommended: Tabasco); Extra-virgin olive oil