What is the best recipe for making clam chowder with fresh clams?

To make the best clam chowder with fresh clams, start by steaming the clams until they open. Remove the clams from their shells and chop them. In a pot, cook bacon until crispy, then saut onions, celery, and garlic. Add clam juice, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in chopped clams, cream, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread.