Crockpot Manhattan-Style Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound bacon, diced, about 5 to 6 slices, or use a meaty salt pork
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 2 small to medium carrots, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cans clams (approx. 7 ounces each) minced clams with liquid
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/4 teaspoons dried leaf thyme, crumbled
• 1 small bay leaf, optional
• 2 1/2 cups diced potatoes, about 3 medium peeled potatoes

Preparation: