New England Cod Chowder

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 3 medium carrots, each cut lengthwise in half, then crosswise into slices
• 3 celery ribs, diced (or 1 large fennel bulb, diced)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into1/2-inch cubes (1 pound)
• 3 (8 ounce) bottles clam juice
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth (or 1 3/4 cups homemade chicken broth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (1 lb) cod fish fillet, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup half-and-half or 1 cup light cream