Add potatoes to a saucepan of cold water and cook until just fork tender, about 8-10 minutes. Check potatoes. They should not be too soft.

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until it begins to brown. Add onions and celery and cook until they begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Do not brown veggies. Add garlic and bay leaf and cook for one minute.

Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes stirring once or twice.

Whisk in the reserved clam liquid.

Add potatoes, clams, half and half and hot sauce. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste

Simmer for 10 minutes on low stirring frequently.

Garnish with bacon (optional).