Manhattan Clam Chowder

Ingredients

• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 4/5 cloves Garlic
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• Cayenne Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 4/5 sprigs of Fresh Thyme
• 1/2 pound Bacon, diced
• 1.5 cups Celery, diced
• 1 Onion roughly chopped
• 3/4 bottle White Wine like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
• 2 dozens Clams
• Sea Salt & Cornmeal for purging clams
• 1 large Onion, diced small
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Tarragon, chopped
• 1.5 cups Carrots, diced (use purple carrots for a unique touch if available)
• 1.5 cups Nouvelle (waxy) Potatoes, diced
• 1 can 28 oz Peeled Tomatoes, hand-crushed
• 60 ounces or 7.5 cups Chicken Stock
• Parsley, for garnish
• Tapioca Powder or Cornstarch optional, for thickening