Creamy Fish Chowder

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring often, until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Add onion, celery and garlic to the bacon drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add clam juice (or chicken broth), fish, potatoes, thyme and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. With a slotted spoon, transfer about 2/3 cup of the solids to a bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork. Return to the pot and add the milk. Bring to a simmer.

Whisk water and cornstarch in a small bowl. When the soup comes to a simmer, gradually add the cornstarch mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute. Season with pepper. Serve garnished with the cooked bacon and parsley, if using.